The immune system is composed of various cell types, each with distinct behaviors. Aging leads to complex changes in the immune system, affecting the body’s ability to defend against pathogens and increasing chronic inflammation. Researchers conducted a study to examine the association between specific immune cell populations and human mortality. The study found that T cells and NK cells with low CD56 expression were inversely associated with mortality, while neutrophils showed a positive association. Additionally, myeloid dendritic cells were associated with reduced mortality, and certain T cell and B cell subsets were linked to increased mortality odds. These findings provide insight into the relationship between immune cell subsets and mortality.
Previous studies have shown a positive association between neutrophils and mortality, and this study confirmed those findings. The decreased cytotoxicity of NK cells in old age and the preserved number of neutrophils in older adults with impaired phagocytic ability may increase mortality odds. Conversely, myeloid dendritic cells were associated with reduced mortality, consistent with previous studies showing their role in antitumor immune responses. The study also observed a decrease in total T cells with age and an altered T cell repertoire, contributing to increased mortality odds. The findings suggest that environmental exposures, rather than solely age-related processes, may drive the association between certain immune cell subsets and mortality. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between immune cell subsets and human mortality.
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