Defective T Memory Cell Differentiation after Varicella Zoster Vaccination in Older Individuals.

ABSTRACT: Vaccination with attenuated live varicella zoster virus (VZV) can prevent zoster reactivation, but protection is incomplete especially in an older population. To decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying variable vaccine responses, T- and B-cell responses to VZV vaccination were examined in individuals of different ages including identical twin pairs. Contrary to the induction of VZV-specific antibodies, antigen-specific T cell responses were significantly influenced by inherited factors. Diminished generation of long-lived memory T cells in older individuals was mainly caused by increased T cell loss after the peak response while the expansion of antigen-specific T cells was not affected by age. Gene expression in activated CD4 T cells at the time of the peak response identified gene m

SUBMITTER: Qi Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5072604 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature