Aging diminishes thymic output, reduces naive T cells, promotes memory T-cell accumulation, and impairs thymic regeneration

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Daria M. Konovalova, Madison D. Cooper, Shuli Huang, Danielle X. Shane, Jordyn S. Mulhern, Ying Ann Chiao, Sarah Y. Yuan, Yonggang Ma
DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00242.2025
Cited by: 1
References: 60

Abstract

This study reveals that aging causes thymic involution and reduces thymic output and circulating T cells. Interestingly, aging promotes memory T-cell accumulation in the spleen and bone marrow. Aged T cells exhibit an exhausted phenotype with increased metabolic activity. Following myocardial infarction (MI), aged mice display impaired thymic regeneration, decreased naïve T cells, and increased memory T cells. Collectively, these findings characterize age-related changes in T cells under basal conditions and after MI.

Fields of Study & Subjects

T-cell and B-cell Immunology Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Diseases IL-33 ST2 and ILC Pathways

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
6
Pages
R609–R622
Publication date
24 April 2026
Language
EN