CD4+T cells in ageing-associated interstitial lung abnormalities show evidence of pro-inflammatory phenotypic and functional profile

Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) occur in around 10% of subjects over 60 years, and are associated with a higher rate of all-cause mortality. The pathogenic mechanisms are unclear, and the putative contribution of alterations in the immune response has not been explored. Normal ageing is associated with immune deficiencies, including Naïve T-cell decrease and greater expression of the proliferative-limiting, co-inhibitory receptor killer-cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1).