Physiology of IgD. VIII. Age-related decline in the capacity to generate T cells with receptors for IgD and partial reversal of the defect with IL 2.

In previous studies we have shown that T cells from young mice can be induced to express receptors for IgD (T delta cells) after in vivo or in vitro exposure to IgD or IL 2. In the present study, mice of three different strains were used to study the effects of aging on the ability of splenic T cells to express such receptors. It is shown that T cells from mice older than 18 mo of age are deficient with respect to their ability to express receptors for IgD after in vivo or in vitro exposure to IgD. Similarly, IFN-gamma induces T delta cells in young but not in aged mice. In contrast, T delta cells can be induced in aged mice with IL 2, although to a lower percentage than in young mice. In agreement with our previously reported findings, the current study demonstrates the immunoaugmenting effect of IgD injections on the antibody response in young mice. This effect is absent in aged mice and thus correlates with the failure of IgD to induce T delta cells in such animals.