Open AccessThe convergence of senescence and nutrient sensing during lymphocyte ageing
Author(s) -
Akbar A. N.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
clinical & experimental immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.329
H-Index - 135
eISSN - 1365-2249
pISSN - 0009-9104
DOI - 10.1111/cei.12876
Subject(s) - microbiology and biotechnology , senescence , immunosenescence , biology , ageing , effector , immunosurveillance , lymphocyte , immunity , ampk , immunology , immune system , kinase , protein kinase a , genetics
Summary Immunosurveillance requires the migration of lymphocytes and their activation to induce proliferation and effector function. Effective immunity requires an optimal supply of nutrients to lymphocytes. Cells contain nutrient sensing apparatus such as adenosine 5′‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) that surveys intracellular ATP levels. Immunity declines during ageing and one possibility is that the energy balance may be altered in old lymphocytes. This paper summarizes recent data identifying a convergence of senescence and nutrient signalling pathways in lymphocytes that inhibit both T cell and natural killer (NK) cell function during ageing. Significantly, these pathways can be inhibited to enhance the activity of these cells.