Written byLaura Tran, PhD – The Scientist –
People who live past 100 years old appear to have an abundance of specialized T cells that may help protect them against infection and cancer.
Aging is an inevitable part of life, but some remarkable individuals remain healthy well into extreme old age, living to 110 years or older. Known as supercentenarians, these individuals are incredibly rare, prompting researchers to investigate what may contribute to their longevity. Could the secret lie in their diet, genetics, physical activity, or another factor?
One area of particular interest is the immune system, which defends the body against infections and disease. This motivated researchers at the University of Osaka to investigate the immune commonalities among older populations. They first identified a set of specialized immune cells called CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD4+ CTLs) as a hallmark of supercentenarians. These cells are effective cellular bruisers, fending off infection and killing cancer cells.
