“Mitochondrial dysfunction drives immune senescence”

Host: Dr Linda Sinclair

Venue: Sir Kenneth & Lady Noreen Murray Seminar Room, CTIR 2.84

Abstract 

It has been well documented that age significantly impacts the T cell compartment. Due to their highly proliferative nature, CD8+ T cells are particularly vulnerable to the effects of ageing and show a high degree of compartmental heterogeneity. Immunosenescence is a progressively degenerative state which leads to the loss of replicative capacity, initiated by a DNA damage response induced by telomere shortening. However, metabolic stressors also induce senescence, with changes in mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism better defining the heterogeneity of immunosenescence. This talk aims to show the role of mitochondrial dysfunction as an important driver of immunosenescence and the control of the inflammatory state that accompanies senescence.