bims-imseme 2023-12-31 papers

Issue of 2023‒12‒31
four papers selected by
Pierpaolo Ginefra, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research

Transl Med UniSa. 2023 ;25(1): 11-15

Sicilian Semi- and Supercentenarians: Age-related NK Cell Immunophenotype and Longevity Trait Definition.

Mattia E Ligotti, Giulia Accardi, Anna Aiello, Anna Calabrò, Calogero Caruso, Anna M Corsale, Francesco Dieli, Marta Di Simone, Serena Meraviglia, Giuseppina Candore.

The immune system of semi- and supercentenarians (i.e., the oldest centenarians) is believed to have peculiar characteristics that enable them to reach extreme longevity in a relatively healthy state. Therefore, in previous papers, we investigated, through flow cytometry, variations in the percentages of the main subsets of Tαβ and Tγδ cells in a Sicilian cohort of 28 women and 26 men (age range 19-110 years), including 11 long-living individuals (>90 years old) and 8 oldest centenarians. These investigations suggested that some observed immunophenotypic changes may contribute to the extreme longevity of the oldest centenarians. In the present study, to further characterize the immunophenotype of the oldest centenarians, we examined the percentages of Natural Killer (NK) cells identified as CD3-CD56 + CD16+ in the previously described Sicilian cohort. We found a highly significant increase in NK cell percentages with age. When stratified by gender, this significant increase with age was maintained in both sexes, with higher significance observed in males. Our findings on NK cells, together with the previously obtained results, discussed in the context of the literature, suggest that these changes are not unfavourable for centenarians, including the oldest ones, supporting the hypothesis that immune aging should be considered as a differential adaptation rather than a general immune alteration. These adapted immune mechanisms allow the oldest centenarians to successfully adapt to a history of insults and achieve remarkable longevity.

Keywords: Immune ageing; Immunophenotype; Longevity; Natural killer cells; Semi-supercentenarians; Supercentenarians

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37825/2239-9747.1041

Aging Cell. 2023 Dec 25. e14048

Pre-vaccination immunotypes reveal weak and robust antibody responders to influenza vaccination.

Alper Cevirgel, Sudarshan A Shetty, Martijn Vos, Nening M Nanlohy, Lisa Beckers, Elske Bijvank, Nynke Rots, Josine van Beek, Anne-Marie Buisman, Debbie van Baarle.

Effective vaccine-induced immune responses are particularly essential in older adults who face an increased risk of immunosenescence. However, the complexity and variability of the human immune system make predicting vaccine responsiveness challenging. To address this knowledge gap, our study aimed to characterize immune profiles that are predictive of vaccine responsiveness using "immunotypes" as an innovative approach. We analyzed an extensive set of innate and adaptive immune cell subsets in the whole blood of 307 individuals (aged 25-92) pre- and post-influenza vaccination which we associated with day 28 hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titers. Building on our previous work that stratified individuals into nine immunotypes based on immune cell subsets, we identified two pre-vaccination immunotypes associated with weak and one showing robust day 28 antibody response. Notably, the weak responders demonstrated HLA-DR+ T-cell signatures, while the robust responders displayed a high naïve-to-memory T-cell ratio and percentage of nonclassical monocytes. These specific signatures deepen our understanding of the relationship between the baseline of the immune system and its functional potential. This approach could enhance our ability to identify individuals at risk of immunosenescence. Our findings highlight the potential of pre-vaccination immunotypes as an innovative tool for informing personalized vaccination strategies and improving health outcomes, particularly for aging populations.

Keywords: aging; immune variation; immunosenescence; influenza vaccination

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/acel.14048

Biogerontology. 2023 Dec 27.

Telomeres, cellular senescence, and aging: past and future.

Madeline Eppard, João F Passos, Stella Victorelli.

Over half a century has passed since Alexey Olovnikov's groundbreaking proposal of the end-replication problem in 1971, laying the foundation for our understanding of telomeres and their pivotal role in cellular senescence. This review paper delves into the intricate and multifaceted relationship between cellular senescence, the influence of telomeres in this process, and the far-reaching consequences of telomeres in the context of aging and age-related diseases. Additionally, the paper investigates the various factors that can influence telomere shortening beyond the confines of the end-replication problem and how telomeres can exert their impact on aging, even in the absence of significant shortening. Ultimately, this paper stands as a tribute to the pioneering work of Olovnikov, whose seminal contributions established the solid foundation upon which our ongoing explorations of telomeres and the aging process are based.

Keywords: Aging; Olovnikov; Senescence; Telomeres

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10522-023-10085-4

Public Policy Aging Rep. 2023 ;33(4): 125-127

Sex Differences in Immune System Aging and Responsiveness to Vaccination.

Steven Yanicke, Duygu Ucar.

Keywords: Immune aging; Sex differences; Vaccine responses

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ppar/prad027