T-Cells, Tissue Repair and Exercise

T-cells are a significant component of our adaptive immune system, and a primary player in the development of vaccine response and immune memory. However, T-cells play a multi-faceted role in human health, with increasing interest in their role in tissue inflammation and repair. Studies demonstrate that these cells play a crucial role in vascular, epithelial and even muscle (cardiac, skeletal) repair, therefore a promising therapeutic. This seminar presentation will provide a brief overview of these cells, and the data implicating them in tissue homeostasis (specifically vascular and skeletal muscle), followed by our recent work in how exercise, being a key immunomodulator, can mobilise specific cells into the circulation, with potent vasculogenic and tissue regenerative properties. Furthermore, the data suggests that these T-cells (both resting levels, and exercise responsiveness) are diminished with advancing age, offering potential mechanisms behind impaired tissue regenerative capacities in ageing.