Aged Immune Cells Bring Signs of Aging to Young Mice
Graded Preliminary — experiments in genetically altered mice and cell transfers; the abstract gives no animal numbers, and there are no human data.
Animal study. Findings may not carry over to people, which is why the grade is capped at Preliminary.
- Design
- Animal study
- Participants
- —
- Duration
- —
- Funding
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
Macrophages lacking the protein Lamtor5 aged early and, when transferred, gave young mice signs of faster aging.
Macrophages are immune cells that clean up debris and form part of the body's first defense. When they age, they may drag the rest of the body along with them. A study in mice points in that direction. It centers on a protein called Lamtor5, which is lower in the macrophages of old mice.
The researchers bred mice whose macrophages lacked Lamtor5. These cells became aged cells that no longer divide, much like macrophages from naturally old mice. When young mice received these cells, they showed signs of faster aging. Young macrophages, or drugs that clear out aged cells, eased those signs again. Lamtor5 appears to help break down cGAS, a sensor that switches on inflammation. In old mice, two approaches clearly reduced age-related inflammation: one that turned down cGAS in macrophages, and a short protein fragment aimed at the spot where Lamtor5 and cGAS meet. Tissues also worked better.
The results suggest that aging macrophages help drive aging across the body. All experiments were in mice. Whether these approaches work or are safe in people has not been tested.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.