Different CMV-specific effector T cell subtypes are associated with age, CMV serostatus, and increased systolic blood pressure.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the most common infections in humans, and CMV antigens are the major drivers of repetitive T-cell stimulation as a part of a well-adapted immune response in immunocompetent individuals. With higher age, the recurrent clonal expansion of CMV-specific T cells results in high frequencies of CMV-specific effector T cells. Further on, CMV seropositivity has been linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Here we investigated the frequency and phenotype of CMV-specific T cells in the circulation of a population cohort of 650 individuals focusing on the age group over 60 years. Circulating immune cells of individuals carrying the HLA-A*02 allele were investigated (n = 302) applying MHC class I tetramers.

SUBMITTER: Roesner LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12224750 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature