American scientists claim they have discovered a way to reprogram T cells, potentially helping humans to “stay young forever.”
This research was conducted by Dr. Corina Amor Vegas and her colleagues at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and has recently been published on Science Daily.
The research team found that T cells can be reprogrammed to combat aging. With appropriate genetic modifications, T cells can attack other white blood cells, which are believed to be responsible for many diseases that humans face. These senescent cells continuously replicate, and as humans age, they accumulate in the body, leading to harmful inflammation. Some medications can eliminate these harmful cells but must be used repeatedly.
CAR T cells rejuvenate old mice and prolong youth in young mice. (Photo: COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY).
To replace the above method, Dr. Amor Vegas and her colleagues used a “living” drug known as chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T). When tested on mice, they found that these cells could be directed to eliminate white blood cells. As a result, the tested mice showed improved metabolism, better glucose tolerance, and healthier living. Notably, this method did not cause any tissue damage or toxicity.
“If we inject older mice, they rejuvenate. When we inject younger mice, they age more slowly. CAR T cells can also help increase their lifespan. Currently, there is no other therapy that can achieve this,” Dr. Amor Vegas affirmed.
According to the research team, just one dose of T cells when young could have lifelong effects. It could also combat common conditions such as obesity and diabetes. “T cells have the ability to develop memory and persist in the body for a very long time, which is very different from any existing medications. The CAR T cell method is also very effective for treating chronic diseases,” Ms. Amor Vegas noted.
Dr. Amor Vegas is one of the first scientists to demonstrate that CAR T cells have the potential to cure cancer, helping people to “stay young forever.”
