Journal of Clinical and Cellular Immunology
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9899
ISSN: 2155-9899
Alejandra Pera
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Clin Cell Immunol
The main topic of this lecture will be based on the current knowledge on age-associated phenotypic and functional changes in NK cells and the role of persistent CMV infection. It will be disclosed the key role of NK cells in the innate immune response against virus infection and tumors. Besides, attendees of this lecture will be familiarized with NK cell subpopulations based on CD56 and CD16 markers expression and the NK cell compartment remodeling in the elderly. As well, it will be shown how age and CMV infection have an effect on the expression of CD57, CD94/NKG2C, activating natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs, NKp30, NKp46) and DNAM-1. In summary it will be disscused how NK cell subsets and their phenotype in the elderly are afected not only by age but also by exposure to CMV and the relevance of including the determination of CMV serostatus in those studies addressed to analyze the effect of age on NK cell phenotype and function.
Pera performed her PhD studies at the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital (Madrid) and at the Università degli Studi of Milan, in 2009. Ever since, she has foccused her work on Immunosenescence, particularly on the effect of CMV and age on NK and T cellsâ?? phenotype and function. She has authored several works regarding this topic this year. As well, she has colaborated recently with Dr. Larbi at the Singapore Immunology Network and currently has a Juan de la Cierva postdoctoral contract (Ministry of Science and innovation).