Estrogen and telomerase in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

► We evaluated a postulated role for estrogens in regulation of telomerase in T lymphocytes. ► T cells from females showed slightly greater telomerase induction with T cell receptor engagement. ► Estradiol did not directly change telomerase activity in resting or activated T cells. ► Our experiments exclude a direct effect of estradiol on telomerase induction in peripheral T cells.