In our bodies, senescent cells ensure that damaged or old cells do not divide further. These cells play an important role in preventing cancer and help with tissue repair. In young people, senescent cells are quickly cleared by the immune system. As we get older, this process becomes less and less efficient.
Researchers have discovered that senescent cells produce the protein PD-L2 to protect themselves from the immune system. PD-L2 binds to a receptor on immune cells, thereby inhibiting the destruction of these ageing cells. As a result, senescent cells accumulate, leading to persistent inflammation that can be harmful to the ageing body.
The accumulation of senescent cells contributes to age-related symptoms and inflammation-related diseases. By blocking PD-L2, the immune system can clear these harmful cells more effectively. This offers new opportunities for treatments that can slow down the ageing process and improve health in later life.
Previously, this mechanism was mainly researched in cancer, because malignant cells also often try to evade immune responses. Now it appears that the same strategy plays a role in ageing, which is promising for research into healthier ageing.
These findings show that targeting senescent cells with focused therapies can contribute to better health in ageing.
Source: Reason
