November 10, 2022
New research published in Cancer Discovery has outlined a potential new method of using senescent cells to encourage the immune system to attack cancer [1]. Senescent cancer cells and immune clearance Cellular senescence is a stress response [2], and cancer cells within tumors undergo significant stress: they lose access to oxygen and nutrients, they divide...
October 18, 2022
Scientists have found that when T cells are activated by antigen-presenting cells, the activating cells donate chunks of their telomeres to the T cells, preventing senescence [1]. Imperfect protection Telomeres are sequences of TTAGGG repeats at the ends of our chromosomes that protect their integrity. Because of the way in which our somatic cells copy...
October 13, 2022
In Aging Cell, researchers have published the surprising and counterintuitive finding that older immune cells are able to kill cancer cells more quickly than their younger counterparts. The aging of CD8+ T cells The researchers introduce their subject by discussing CD8+ T cells in the context of aging. These cells form a major part of...
January 18, 2022
In the first human trial of its kind, scientists showed that a fasting-mimicking diet can work synergistically with conventional therapies in cancer patients, altering their metabolisms and reshaping their immune systems [1]. What happens when you fast? Fasting is shaping up to be a powerful addition to clinical practice. It is not a panacea that...
January 11, 2022
Scientists have created genetically engineered T cells that target activated cardiac fibroblasts in a transient manner, alleviating symptoms of cardiac injury [1]. HeartThe heart is a four-chambered organ located between our lungs. Blood is pumped by the heart through two loops, one to the lungs, oxygenating the blood, and the other out to the rest...
January 03, 2022
A study published in Aging Cell has shown that senescent cells impact the way that CD4 T cells differentiate into types and that senolytics can restore this differentiation to a more youthful one. Not all T cells are the same CD4 T cells, often known as helper T cells due to their recruitment and signaling...
