Diminished Pneumococcal-Specific CD4⁺ T-Cell Response is Associated With Increased Regulatory T Cells at Older Age.

ABSTRACT: Respiratory infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Acquired CD4⁺ T cell mechanism are essential for the protection against colonization and subsequent development of infections by S. pneumoniae. In this study, we hypothesized that age-related changes within the CD4⁺ T-cell population compromise CD4⁺ T-cell specific responses to S. pneumoniae, thereby contributing to increased susceptibility at older age. To this end, we interrogated the CD4⁺ T-cell response against the immunogenic pneumococcal protein AliB, part of the unique oligopeptide ABC transporter system responsible for the uptake of nutrients for the bacterium and crucial for the development of pneum

SUBMITTER: He SWJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9261371 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature