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End stage renal disease patients have a skewed T cell receptor Vβ repertoire.

immune system

telomere length

Authors: Ling L. Huang, Anton W AW. Langerak, Ingrid L M IL. Wolvers-Tettero, Ruud W J RW. Meijers, Carla C CC. Baan, Nicolle H R NH. Litjens, Michiel G H MG. Betjes
Published: 12/14/2015, Immunity & ageing : I & A

Background

End stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with defective T-cell mediated immunity. A diverse T-cell receptor (TCR) Vβ repertoire is central to effective T-cell mediated immune responses to foreign antigens. In this study, the effect of ESRD on TCR Vβ repertoire was assessed.

Results

A higher proportion of ESRD patients (68.9 %) had a skewed TCR Vβ repertoire compared to age and cytomegalovirus (CMV) - IgG serostatus matched healthy individuals (31.4 %, P < 0.001). Age, CMV serostatus and ESRD were independently associated with an increase in shifting of the TCR Vβ repertoire. More differentiated CD8(+) T cells were observed in young ESRD patients with a shifted TCR Vβ repertoire. CD31-expressing naive T cells and relative telomere length of T cells were not significantly related to TCR Vβ skewing.

Conclusions

ESRD significantly skewed the TCR Vβ repertoire particularly in the elderly population, which may contribute to the uremia-associated defect in T-cell mediated immunity.

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