summary: Researchers have discovered that T cells can be genetically reprogrammed to target and eliminate senescent cells that cause age-related diseases. Significant health improvements were achieved by using CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T cells in mice, including reduced body weight, enhanced metabolism, and increased physical activity.
This groundbreaking approach, which delivers long-lasting effects after a single treatment, revolutionizes the treatment of age-related conditions such as obesity and diabetes, and harnesses the potential of CAR T cells in current cancer treatments. may exceed the use of
Important facts:
- Reprogrammed CAR T cells effectively target senescent cells and alleviate aging-related health problems in mice.
- A single treatment with these modified T cells provides long-term health benefits, a significant advantage over current treatments that require repeated administration.
- This discovery expands the medical applications of CAR T cells, previously known for treating blood cancers, to include the potential to combat aging-related diseases.
sauce: CSHL
The Fountain of Youth has eluded explorers for many years. It turns out that the magic anti-aging pill may have been with us all along.
Associate Professor Corina Amor Vegas and colleagues at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) have discovered that T cells can be reprogrammed to, so to speak, combat aging. With the right genetic modification, these white blood cells can attack another group of cells known as senescent cells. These cells are thought to be responsible for many of the diseases we face later in life.
Senescent cells are cells that have stopped replicating. As we age, it accumulates in our bodies and causes harmful inflammation. Several drugs now exist that can eliminate these cells, but many require repeated doses over time.
As an alternative, Amor Vegas and colleagues turned to “live” drugs called CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T cells. They discovered that CAR T cells could be manipulated to eliminate senescent cells in mice.
As a result, the mice lived healthier lives. They lost weight, had improved metabolism and glucose tolerance, and increased physical activity. All benefits were obtained without tissue damage or toxicity.
“If you give this to older mice, it rejuvenates them. If you give this to young mice, it slows down the aging process. There are currently no other treatments that can do this,” says Amor Vegas.
Perhaps the greatest power of CAR T cells is their longevity. The researchers found that just one dose at a young age can have lifelong effects. Her one-time treatment can prevent conditions that often occur later in life, such as obesity and diabetes.
“T cells develop memory and have the ability to persist in the body for very long periods of time, which is very different from chemicals,” explains Amor Vegas.
“With CAR T cells, you only need one treatment and that’s it. For chronic conditions, this is a huge advantage. Think about patients who need multiple treatments a day. If you get an IV, you’ll be fine for a few years.”
CAR T cells are used to treat a variety of blood cancers and were approved by the FDA for this purpose in 2017. But Amor Vegas was one of the first scientists to show that the medical potential of CAR T cells extends beyond cancer.
Amor Vegas’ lab is currently studying whether CAR T cells can make mice not only healthier but also live longer. If we do so, society will be one step closer to the much-needed fountain of youth.
About this aging and genetics research news
author: Sarah Giarnieri
sauce: CSHL
contact: Sara Giarnieri – CSHL
image: Image credited to Neuroscience News
Original research: The findings appear below natural aging
