Aging-Dependent Immunological Changes in Multiple Sclerosis Identified

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Neuroimmunology Group at Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute in San Sebastian, Spain, have made significant strides in understanding the immunological changes that occur in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients as they age. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, revealed distinct age-associated alterations in immune cell subsets between MS patients and healthy controls, including B and NK cells. Notably, MS patients showed an age-related increase in CD28-CD57+ and CD28+CD57+ cells in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study characterized immunosenescence in multiple sclerosis patients by analyzing age-related changes in the immune system.
  • Age-associated alterations in immune cell subsets were found between MS patients and healthy controls, including B and NK cells.
  • MS patients showed an age-related increase in CD28-CD57+ and CD28+CD57+ cells in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
  • Thymic involution was reported with age in both groups, and MS patients showed a more pronounced thymic involution in younger individuals.
  • A positive correlation was found between age and the levels of inflammatory and neurodegeneration markers, including IL-6, TNF-a, and CRP in MS patients.
  • NFL levels were elevated in MS patients and correlated positively with age in both groups, with a remarkable positive correlation between NFL levels and IL-6 and between NFL levels and TNF-a only in MS patients.
  • Telomere shortening occurred with age in both groups, without significant differences.

Statistics:

  • 110 blood samples were collected from MS patients and healthy controls for immune cell population assessment.
  • 150 DNA samples were analyzed for thymic involution and telomere attrition.
  • 146 plasma samples were evaluated for inflammatory and neurodegeneration markers.
  • 36.1% (40/110) of CD4+ T cells and 55.3% (61/110) of CD8+ T cells from MS patients showed an age-related increase in CD28-CD57+ cells.
  • 45.5% (50/110) of CD4+ T cells and 63.6% (70/110) of CD8+ T cells from MS patients showed an age-related increase in CD28+CD57+ cells.

Sources:

  • Frontiers in Immunology
  • "Aging-dependent immunological changes in multiple sclerosis" (2025) 16, doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1663526
  • Health & Medicine Week
  • "Studies in the Area of Multiple Sclerosis Reported from Neuroimmunology Group (Aging-dependent immunological changes in multiple sclerosis)" (2025), p 7716.