Delay of T cell senescence by caloric restriction in aged long-lived nonhuman primates

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2006 Dec 19;103(51):19448-53. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0606661103. Epub 2006 Dec 11.

Abstract

Caloric restriction (CR) has long been known to increase median and maximal lifespans and to decreases mortality and morbidity in short-lived animal models, likely by altering fundamental biological processes that regulate aging and longevity. In rodents, CR was reported to delay the aging of the immune system (immune senescence), which is believed to be largely responsible for a dramatic increase in age-related susceptibility to infectious diseases. However, it is unclear whether CR can exert similar effects in long-lived organisms. Previous studies involving 2- to 4-year CR treatment of long-lived primates failed to find a CR effect or reported effects on the immune system opposite to those seen in CR-treated rodents. Here we show that long-term CR delays the adverse effects of aging on nonhuman primate T cells. CR effected a marked improvement in the maintenance and/or production of naïve T cells and the consequent preservation of T cell receptor repertoire diversity. Furthermore, CR also improved T cell function and reduced production of inflammatory cytokines by memory T cells. Our results provide evidence that CR can delay immune senescence in nonhuman primates, potentially contributing to an extended lifespan by reducing susceptibility to infectious disease.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Caloric Restriction*
  • Cell Count
  • Cellular Senescence / immunology
  • Cellular Senescence / physiology*
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell