How to translate text using browser tools
10 September 2010 T-Cell Immunosenescence and Inflammatory Response in Atomic Bomb Survivors
Yoichiro Kusunoki, Mika Yamaoka, Yoshiko Kubo, Tomonori Hayashi, Fumiyoshi Kasagi, Evan B. Douple, Kei Nakachi
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

In this paper we summarize the long-term effects of A-bomb radiation on the T-cell system and discuss the possible involvement of attenuated T-cell immunity in the disease development observed in A-bomb survivors. Our previous observations on such effects include impaired mitogen-dependent proliferation and IL-2 production, decreases in naive T-cell populations, and increased proportions of anergic and functionally weak memory CD4 T-cell subsets. In addition, we recently found a radiation dose-dependent increase in the percentages of CD25 /CD127 regulatory T cells in the CD4 T-cell population of the survivors. All these effects of radiation on T-cell immunity resemble effects of aging on the immune system, suggesting that ionizing radiation might direct the T-cell system toward a compromised phenotype and thereby might contribute to an enhanced immunosenescence. Furthermore, there are inverse, significant associations between plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines and the relative number of naïve CD4 T cells, also suggesting that the elevated levels of inflammatory markers found in A-bomb survivors can be ascribed in part to T-cell immunosenescence. We suggest that radiation-induced T-cell immunosenescence may result in activation of inflammatory responses and may be partly involved in the development of aging-associated and inflammation-related diseases frequently observed in A-bomb survivors.

Yoichiro Kusunoki, Mika Yamaoka, Yoshiko Kubo, Tomonori Hayashi, Fumiyoshi Kasagi, Evan B. Douple, and Kei Nakachi "T-Cell Immunosenescence and Inflammatory Response in Atomic Bomb Survivors," Radiation Research 174(6b), 870-876, (10 September 2010). https://doi.org/10.1667/RR1847.1
Received: 1 April 2009; Accepted: 1 December 2009; Published: 10 September 2010
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top