Written by: Jasmine Biju
Image Source: Orioli et al., 2018
In recent research, scientists have discovered the linkage between the body’s immune response to a virus that exists in all human tissue which eliminates senescent, or aging cells, in the elderly. Senescent cells are cells that continuously divide: their chronic accumulation contributes to symptoms such as inflammation and degenerative disorders. The elimination of such cells has been deemed effective in maintaining healthy tissue and thus an increased lifespan.
A team from Massachusetts General Hospital came across the discovery that such senescent cells that were present in older individuals did not increase in quantity over time. This provoked the curiosity of a potential mechanism that helped regulate the aging process. Through experimentation, they concluded that a particular immune cell, called the CD4+ T cell, prevents the increase of senescent cells.
Cytomegalovirus is a herpesvirus that induces a life-long infection that produces unnoticeable symptoms. Aging skin cells express protein markers, or antigens, which are produced by the cytomegalovirus. This antigen mechanism causes senescent cells to be targeted by killer CD4+ T cells. Thus, in other words, our immune response has evolved to eliminate cells, including senescent cells, that express the antigen markers produced by the cytomegalovirus. These findings are particularly pertinent when it comes to clinical applications.
The discovery offers new therapeutic approaches to eliminating aging cells. By utilizing the antiviral immune response, the body is able to eliminate senescent cells. This development is particularly relevant to dermatology and advancing the cosmetic sector. There are many exciting possibilities that are now possible such as treatments to make the skin look younger.
References:
Massachusetts General Hospital. "Boosting the body's anti-viral immune response may eliminate aging cells: Strategy could restore tissue balance and target cells that contribute to aging-related diseases." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 30 March 2023, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230330172112.htm
Banik, P. “Enhancing the body’s antiviral immune response to fight aging.” Tech Explorist, 3 April 2023, https://www.techexplorist.com/enhancing-body-antiviral-immune-response-fight-aging/58360/
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