What are the benefits of having 'stem-like' T cells as you age?

According to the study, individuals with these specialized immune cells have a more youthful immune system, which can potentially help them live longer and healthier lives.

What is the downside of having 'stem-like' T cells as you age?

The study found that while these 'stem-like' T cells confer longevity benefits, they also make people more prone to developing autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy tissues and organs.

Home / Health / Immune System's Paradox: How 'Youthful' Cells Can Both Extend and Endanger Lifespan

Immune System's Paradox: How 'Youthful' Cells Can Both Extend and Endanger Lifespan

Q: How can the Mayo Clinic researchers' findings help healthcare providers better manage patients with 'stem-like' T cells?

The researchers are developing new diagnostic tests to identify individuals with high levels of these 'stem-like' T cells, who may be predisposed to autoimmune conditions later in life. This knowledge could help healthcare providers monitor and manage these patients more effectively.

14 Aug

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Summary

Stem-like T cells give some over-60s 'immune youth' and longer life
But these cells also make people more prone to autoimmune diseases
Maintaining a balanced, aging immune system may be key to healthy longevity

Immune System's Paradox: How 'Youthful' Cells Can Both Extend and Endanger Lifespan

According to a study conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic, some individuals over the age of 60 possess a unique type of immune cell that can help them live longer and healthier lives. These specialized 'stem-like' T cells, known as TSL or stem-like memory T cells, appear to give people a more youthful immune system, even as they age.

The researchers tracked over 100 older adults and found that those with these stem-like T cells had remarkably strong and resilient immune systems, comparable to much younger individuals. This 'immune youth' could potentially help them reach the coveted 100-year-old milestone and receive a telegram from the King.

However, the researchers also discovered a significant tradeoff. While the stem-like T cells conferred longevity benefits, they also made these individuals more prone to developing autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy tissues and organs.

As one of the study's co-authors, Dr. Cornelia Weyand, explained, "We observed that these patients have very young immune systems despite being in their 60s and 70s. But the price they pay for that is autoimmunity."

The findings suggest that maintaining a balanced, aging immune system may be the key to achieving healthy longevity. As another co-author, Dr. Jörg Goronzy, noted, "Contrary to what one may think, there are benefits to having an immune system that ages in tandem with the body. We need to consider the price to pay for immune youthfulness. That price can be autoimmune disease."

The researchers are now working on developing new diagnostic tests to identify individuals with high levels of these stem-like T cells, who may be predisposed to autoimmune conditions later in life. This knowledge could help healthcare providers better monitor and manage these patients, ensuring they can enjoy the benefits of a youthful immune system without the risks of autoimmunity.

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