Research Paper Volume 6, Issue 6 pp 440—453
Age-related increase of VGF-expression in T lymphocytes
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- 2 Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- 3 Pembroke College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- 4 Department of Neuropathology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- 5 Center of Neurological Rehabilitation, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- 6 Institute of Immunology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- 7 Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology & Neonatology, Medical University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
Received: January 6, 2014 Accepted: April 30, 2014 Published: May 4, 2014
https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.100656How to Cite
Abstract
VGF is a protein expressed by neurons and processed into several peptides. It plays a role in energy homeostasis and promotes growth and survival. Recently, VGF mRNA was detected in peripheral leukocytes. Since it is known that aging is associated with a decrease in the development and function of neuronal as well as immune cells, we addressed the question whether a peripheral expression of VGF by CD3+ T cells and CD56+ NK cells is correlated with age. Therefore, the frequency of VGF+CD3+ and VGF+CD56+ cells was determined in mentally healthy volunteers aged between 22 and 88. We found an age-dependent increase in the number of VGF+CD3+ T cells that correlated with HbA1c and the body mass index (BMI). VGF-expression by NK cells was age-independent. Blockade of VGF reduced proliferation and secretion of cytokines such as IL-2, IL-17A, IL-1β, IL-10 and TNF by CD3+ T cells and PBMCs. Rapamycin-mediated T cell blockade significantly reduced the frequency of VGF-expressing T cells. We conclude that VGF contributes to survival and function of peripheral T cells. The age-dependent increase in VGF-expression could serve as mechanism that counterregulates the decrease in functionality of T lymphocytes.