For centuries, people have searched for a way to stay young forever. And it seems like the secret might have been with us all along.
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have made an exciting discovery. They found out that certain white blood cells, called T cells, can be changed to fight aging.
These T cells can target a group of cells called senescent cells, which are linked to many age-related diseases.
As we get older, senescent cells build up in our bodies and cause harmful inflammation.
There are medicines available to get rid of these cells, but they often need to be taken regularly over time.
Instead of using drugs, the researchers experimented with a special type of T cell called CAR T cells.
They found that CAR T cells could be trained to eliminate senescent cells in mice. This made the mice live healthier lives without any side effects.
The mice became lighter, had better metabolism and glucose tolerance, and were more active.
The most amazing thing is that just one treatment with CAR T cells at a young age can have long-lasting effects. It can protect against diseases like obesity and diabetes that usually occur later in life.
Unlike regular drugs that need to be taken repeatedly, CAR T cells can provide long-term benefits with just one treatment.
These special T cells have already been used to treat blood cancers, but this research shows they could do much more.
The scientists are now studying if CAR T cells can not only make mice healthier but also help them live longer. If it works, it could bring us closer to finding the fountain of youth.
source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240124132847.htm