Cell-mediated immunity in aged mice: an underlying lesion in IL 2 synthesis
Thoman, M.L.; Weigle, W.O.
Journal of Immunology 128(5): 2358-2361
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1767 PMID: 6460821 Document Number: 194316
It is well established that immune potential declines with age and that aged animals are unable to mount vigorous cell-mediated immune responses. Production of the lymphokine, Interleukin 2 (IL 2) in response to the T cell mitogen concanavalin A or allogeneic stimulation is also diminished in aged individuals. This lesion in IL 2 synthesis in aged mice underlies their deficiency in cell-mediated responses. Mixed lymphocyte responses, cell-mediated lympholysis, and antigen-induced T cell proliferation are all markedly enhanced by supplementation with this lymphokine.