Effects of Immunosenescence on the Lower Expression of Surface Molecules in Neutrophils and Lymphocytes.

BACKGROUND: Immunosenescence is a remodeling of the immune system, caused by aging, with changes in the function of neutrophils, lymphocytes and Treg cells.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the expression of molecules CD11b, CD16 and CD64 (neutrophils), CD154 (T lymphocytes), CD40 (B lymphocytes), and to quantitatively analyze the Treg cell subpopulation.

METHOD: Were studied 49 elderlies (60 years) and 49 adults (35 years). Flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression of surface molecules and the subpopulation of Treg cells, and the results between the groups were compared statistically by the t-test.

RESULTS: There was a decreased significant in the expression of CD11b and CD40 in the elderly.

CONCLUSION: Decreased CD11b expression can result in susceptibility to infectious diseases, impairment of phagocytic capacity. Decreased of CD40 expression can result in the decline in B lymphocyte activation. The other molecules studied presented alterations not significant, but compatible with the immunological changes in aging.