Reduced immune responses in rhesus monkeys subjected to dietary restriction

Dietary restriction (DR) has emerged as a major paradigm in experimental gerontology. The effects of DR on rodents are numerous and include reduced rates of immunologic aging, delayed morbidity, and increases in longevity. The effects of DR on primate species remain largely unknown. We began a randomized trial of long-term, adult-onset DR in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in 1989. This report describes some early differences in immunologic function after two to four years of DR. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were studied for mitogen-induced proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell lysis, and expression of cell surface antigens. Antibody response to influenza vaccine and the number of peripheral blood lymphoctyes were also measured. Unexpectedly, concanavalin A and pokeweed mitogen response measures were reduced in restricted monkeys compared to controls (p less than or equal to .01). NK activity and antibody responses were also reduced (p < .05). Neither cell surface antigens nor peripheral blood lymphocyte counts appear affected by DR thus far.