Development of the adaptive NK cell response to human cytomegalovirus in the context of aging

Mech Ageing Dev. 2016 Sep:158:23-6. doi: 10.1016/j.mad.2016.06.010. Epub 2016 Jun 24.

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) establishes a highly prevalent life-long latent infection. Though generally subclinical, HCMV infection may have severe consequences during fetal development and in immunocompromised individuals. Based on epidemiological studies HCMV(+) serology has been associated with the development of atherosclerosis, immune senescence and an increase mortality rate in elderly people. Such long-term detrimental effects of the viral infection presumably result from an inefficient immune control of the pathogen, depending on the quality and evolution of the individual host-pathogen relationship. Together with antigen-specific T lymphocytes, NK cells play an important role in anti-viral immune defense. HCMV promotes in some individuals the differentiation and persistent steady state expansion of an NK cell subset bearing the CD94/NKG2C activating receptor. The relationship between this adaptive NK cell response to HCMV and aging is overviewed.

Keywords: Age; Cytomegalovirus; Immunity; NKG2C; Natural killer cells.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging / immunology*
  • Aging / pathology
  • Animals
  • Cytomegalovirus / immunology*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / immunology*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / pathology
  • Mice
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D / immunology*

Substances

  • KLRD1 protein, human
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D