Fig. 5

NK cell receptor expression and IFN-γ production are altered in a sex- and age-dependent manner. a Gating strategy for flow cytometry data analysis. b Graphs represent median florescent intensity (MFI) of receptors on splenic NK cells in young and age males and females. Young males (n = 5, 2–3 months); young females (n = 5, 2–3 months); aged males (n = 5, 18–19 months); aged females (n = 5, 18–19 months). c NK cells were isolated from splenocytes of young and aged male and female mice. Cells were then treated with vehicle, 100U/mL IL-2, or 1000U/mL IL-2 for 24 hrs. Supernatant was then collected for IFN-γ ELISA. Graph represents IFN-γ secreted by young and aged male and female NK cells. Young males (n = 4, 2–3 months); young females (n = 4, 2–3 months); aged males (n = 3–4, 18–19 months); aged females (n = 4, 18–19 months). Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA followed by Fisher’s LSD post hoc analysis. Data represent mean ± SEM. Comparisons within sex: *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001. Comparisons within age: #p < 0.05, ##p < 0.01, ###p < 0.001, ####p < 0.0001