The convergence of senescence and nutrient sensing during lymphocyte ageing

• Published in: Clinical and experimental immunology Vol. 187; no. 1; pp. 4 - 5
• Main Author: Akbar, A. N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01-01-2017; John Wiley and Sons Inc
• Subjects: Adenosine Triphosphate - metabolism; Aging; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases - metabolism; Animals; cell differentiation; Cellular Senescence - immunology; Convergence; Energy Metabolism; Humans; Immunologic Surveillance; inhibitory/activating receptors; Killer Cells, Natural - immunology; Kinases; Lymphocyte Activation; Lymphocytes; natural killer cells; Senescence; Signal Transduction - immunology; T cells; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; natural killer cells; cell differentiation; aging; inhibitory/activating receptors; T cells
• ISSN: 0009-9104; 1365-2249
• DOI: 10.1111/cei.12876

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.