Natural killer cell function is altered during the primary response of aged mice to influenza infection

DAMPs and influenza virus infection in ageing

“…CD8 T cell diversity and immune responses against influenza virus infection were reduced in aged mice (Lanzer et al, 2014), and pre-existing influenza-specific CD4 T cells correlate with disease protection against influenza challenge in humans (Wilkinsion et al, 2012). Furthermore, dendritic cells (DCs), from elderly people have reduced antigen capture capacity, impaired migration and reduced T cell activation (Liu et al, 2011), and NK cells from aged mice produce less IFN-γ production during influenza infection (Toapanta et al, 2009;Beli et al, 2011). This demonstrates that the immune responses against virus infections are impaired during ageing.…”

Natural killer cell development and maturation in aged mice

“…Our laboratory has previously shown that influenza infection is more severe in the absence of NK cells (Nogusa et al, 2008) and that aged mice have reduced NK cells infiltrating in the lungs during the early days of influenza infection (Beli et al, 2011; Nogusa et al, 2008). We also have shown that aged NK cells had reduced ability to produce IFN-γ in response to influenza infection and to various stimulants in vitro which was correlated with significantly reduced numbers and percentages of mature, CD11b + CD27 − NK cells in aged mice (Beli et al, 2011).…”

Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity Is Associated with Control of Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus Infection of Macaques

“…NK cells infiltrate the lungs early during influenza virus infection and aid in direct viral clearance (35)(36)(37). NK cells can mediate effector functions via ADCC, by recognizing whole virus or viral antigens on the surfaces of infected cells.…”