McMaster researchers find age not factor in immunity to viruses

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-12/mu-mrf121212.php

Public release date: 13-Dec-2012
Contact: Veronica McGuire
McMaster University

Hamilton, Ont. (Dec. 13, 2012) — Our immune system does not shut down with age, says a new study led by McMaster University researchers.

A study published in PLOS Pathogens today shows a specialized class of immune cells, known as T cells, can respond to virus infections in an older person with the same vigour as T cells from a young person.

"For a long time, it was thought the elderly were at a higher risk of infections because they lacked these immune cells, but that simply isn't the case," said Jonathan Bramson, the study's principal investigator. "The elderly are certainly capable of developing immunity to viruses."

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