Age-dependent changes in T follicular helper cells shape the humoral immune response to vaccination

Semin Immunol. 2023 Jun 26;69:101801. doi: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101801. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTVaccination is an excellent strategy to limit the morbidity and mortality associated with infectious disease. Vaccination creates protective, long-lived antibody-mediated immunity by inducing the germinal centre response, an intricate immune reaction that produces memory B cells and long-lived antibody-secreting plasma cells that provide protection against (re)infection. The magnitude and quality of the germinal centre response declines with age, contributing to poor vaccine-induced immunity in older individuals. T follicular helper cells are essential for the formation and function of the germinal centre response. This review will discuss how age-dependent changes in T follicular helper cells influence the germinal centre response, and the evidence that age-dependent changes need not be a barrier to successful vaccination in the later years of life.PMID:37379670 | DOI:10.1016/j.smim.2023.101801
Source: Seminars in Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Source Type: research