Researchers at MIT have developed a novel approach to rejuvenate T cell populations in aged mice by delivering mRNA to liver cells. This innovative method addresses the decline in immune function associated with aging, where T cell populations diminish, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and diseases. By programming liver cells to produce DLL1, FLT3L, and IL-7—critical factors for T cell survival—the study demonstrated significant improvements in T cell diversity and response to vaccinations and cancer therapies in aged mice.
The implications of this research are profound, as it suggests a potential pathway for enhancing immune resilience in aging populations. The liver’s capacity to produce proteins and its accessibility for mRNA delivery make it an ideal target for such interventions. As the thymus shrinks with age, this strategy could serve as a synthetic alternative to restore essential immune functions, potentially leading to healthier aging and improved disease resistance.
Feng Zhang, PhD, a leading investigator in the study, emphasized the importance of restoring immune function to prolong disease-free life spans. The findings, published in Nature, indicate that transiently reprogramming the liver could be a transformative approach in the field of immunotherapy and aging, paving the way for future clinical applications aimed at combating age-related immune decline.
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