Abstract
A diverse and well-balanced repertoire of T cells is thought to be crucial for the efficacious defence against infection with new or re-emerging pathogens throughout life. In the last third of the mammalian lifespan, the maintenance of a balanced T-cell repertoire becomes highly challenging because of the changes in T-cell production and consumption. In this Review, I question whether latent persistent pathogens might be key factors that drive this imbalance and whether they determine the extent of age-associated immune deficiency.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 512-522 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Nature Reviews Immunology |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2008 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology