Phenotypic characteristics of aged CD4⁺ CD28^null T lymphocytes are determined by changes in the whole-genome DNA methylation pattern.

ABSTRACT: Aging is associated with a progressive loss of the CD28 costimulatory molecule in CD4⁺ lymphocytes (CD28^null T cells), which is accompanied by the acquisition of new biological and functional properties that give rise to an impaired immune response. The regulatory mechanisms that govern the appearance and function of this cell subset during aging and in several associated inflammatory disorders remain controversial. Here, we present the whole-genome DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of CD28^null T cells and its CD28⁺ counterpart. A comparative analysis revealed that 296 genes are differentially methylated between the two cell subsets. A total of 160 genes associated with cytotoxicity (e.g. GRZB, TYROBP, and RUNX3) and cytokine/chemokine

SUBMITTER: Suarez-Alvarez B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5334526 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature