Mechanisms of T Cell Dysfunction and Immunity in Aging

T cells undergo profound changes with age, leading to a decline in immune function that increases susceptibility to a variety of diseases including inflammatory, autoimmune, infectious, and malignant conditions. This immunological decline is characterized by decreased T cell receptor (TCR) diversity, impaired activation, and increased metabolic stress, all of which underlie the diminished efficacy of vaccinations in the elderly. Exploring the molecular and metabolic changes in aging T cells is pivotal for fostering immune resilience and health in the aging population.

This Research Topic seeks to thoroughly investigate T cell immune dysfunctions with age, focusing on understanding the underlying mechanisms contributing to decreased immune competence in the elderly. The research will concentrate on how metabolic alterations and the inflammatory microenvironment influence T cell functionality and TCR diversity. Additionally, it aims to discover therapeutic opportunities that can mitigate T cell-associated immunodeficiency and immunosenescence, with particular emphasis on manipulating metabolic pathways and inflammatory responses. The ultimate objective is to link fundamental research with practical applications to enhance healthy aging.

To promote advancements in this field, we are calling for research that addresses multiple aspects of T cell immunity in aging:

1. Novel mechanisms of immunosenescence
2. Therapeutic modulation of metabolic pathways in T cells
3. Strategies for regulating inflammation in the aging population
4. Multidimensional analyses of T cell subsets in elderly individuals
5. Innovative approaches to combating T cell dysfunction
6. Exploration of TCR repertoire diversity

This collection aims to enrich the discourse on aging and immunity by integrating cutting-edge research with prospective therapies to sustain immune function in the elderly.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: T cells, TCR, Metabolic Stress, Inflammation, Immunodeficiency

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.