[PDF][PDF] Expression of CD39 on activated T cells impairs their survival in older individuals

F Fang, M Yu, MM Cavanagh, JH Saunders, Q Qi, Z Ye… - Cell reports, 2016 - cell.com
F Fang, M Yu, MM Cavanagh, JH Saunders, Q Qi, Z Ye, S Le Saux, W Sultan, E Turgano…
Cell reports, 2016cell.com
In an immune response, CD4+ T cells expand into effector T cells and then contract to
survive as long-lived memory cells. To identify age-associated defects in memory cell
formation, we profiled activated CD4+ T cells and found an increased induction of the
ATPase CD39 with age. CD39+ CD4+ T cells resembled effector T cells with signs of
metabolic stress and high susceptibility to undergo apoptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of
ATPase activity dampened effector cell differentiation and improved survival, suggesting that …
Summary
In an immune response, CD4+ T cells expand into effector T cells and then contract to survive as long-lived memory cells. To identify age-associated defects in memory cell formation, we profiled activated CD4+ T cells and found an increased induction of the ATPase CD39 with age. CD39+ CD4+ T cells resembled effector T cells with signs of metabolic stress and high susceptibility to undergo apoptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of ATPase activity dampened effector cell differentiation and improved survival, suggesting that CD39 activity influences T cell fate. Individuals carrying a low-expressing CD39 variant responded better to vaccination with an increase in vaccine-specific memory T cells. Increased inducibility of CD39 after activation may contribute to the impaired vaccine response with age.
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