Shaping of NK cell subsets by aging

• Aging is associated with shaping of NK subsets defined by CD56/CD16 expression.
• CD56bright NK cells are decreased and CD56−CD16+ NK cells increased in the elderly.
• CMV serostatus is not associated with NK cell subset redistribution.
• CMV-seropositivity associates with CD57 and NKG2C expression in young donors.
• CD57 expression on CD56dim NK cells is further accentuated with aging.

NK cells are key players in the innate immune response against virus infection and tumors. Here we describe the current knowledge on age-associated changes in NK cells and the role of persistent CMV infection in configuring NK cell compartment in the elderly. Aging but not CMV causes a redistribution of NK cell subsets as shown by a decrease of CD56bright cells and an increase of CD56−CD16+ NK cells. On the contrary the changes in CD56dimCD16+ NK cells are compatible with the accumulation of CD57+ long-lived NK cells that can also be observed in young CMV-seropositive individuals. NK cell function and dynamics in the elderly will be related not only with age but also with exposure to pathogens, especially CMV.

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