Telomeres and immune competency

► Telomeres are essential for chromosome integrity and cellular replication. ► Attrition of telomeres occurs during DNA replication and observed with aging. ► Accelerated telomere attrition results in defects of hematopoietic and other cells. ► Telomere length of leukocytes is associated with a wide range of diseases. ► Telomere length of leukocytes can be used for evaluation of immune function.