Immunological features beyond CD4/CD8 ratio values in older individuals

The CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio is emerging as a relevant marker of evolution for many pathologies and therapies. We aimed to explore immunological features beyond CD4/CD8 ratio values in older subjects ( 1.4), intermediate (1.4-2), or higher ( 2) ratio values. The lower group showed a lower thymic output (sj/8-TREC ratio) and frequency of naive T-cells, concomitant with increased mature T cells. In these subjects, the CD4 T-cell subset was enriched in CD95+ but depleted of CD98+ cells. The regulatory T-cell (Treg) compartment was enriched in CTLA-4+ cells. The CD8 T-cell pool exhibited increased frequencies of CD95+ cells but decreased frequencies of integrin-87+ cells. Interestingly, in the intermediate group, the CD4 pool showed greater differences than the CD8 pool, mostly for cellular senescence. Regarding inflammation, only hsCRP was elevated in the lower group; however, negative correlations between the CD4/CD8 ratio and 82-microglobulin and sCD163 were detected. These subjects displayed trends of more comorbidities and less independence in daily activities. Altogether, our data reveal different thymic output and immune profiles for T cells across CD4/CD8 ratio values that can define immune capabilities, affecting health status in older individuals. Thus, the CD4/CD8 ratio may be used as an integrative marker of biological age.

Automated summary

The CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio is a useful marker for evaluating immune features in older individuals, showing differences in thymic output and immune profiles that can affect health status.