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Scientists are exploring antibodies as a tool to combat ageing, leveraging their precision in targeting specific proteins to treat diseases like cancer, dementia, and frailty. Antibodies work by binding to harmful substances in the body, such as bacteria or viruses, and marking them for destruction, making them a valuable asset in medicine. The first antibody used in medicine, muromonab-CD3, was approved in 1986 for organ transplant patients to prevent rejection, and since then, hundreds of antibodies have been developed for various uses, including cancer treatments and pregnancy tests.
In recent years, researchers have focused on using antibodies to target ageing processes, aiming to extend healthy lifespans. A 2021 study in Nature demonstrated that antibodies could target ageing cells, leading to longer, healthier lives for mice.
Other studies from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2023 and 2024 used antibodies to rejuvenate the skin of old mice and improve immune responses in older mice. These findings suggest that antibodies could help improve health during old age and may even reduce the risk of age-related diseases like cancer and heart disease.
A 2024 study showed that antibodies targeting defective bone marrow cells improved vaccine responses in older mice, which could have broader implications for treating conditions related to ageing. These studies, while promising, raise the question of whether antibodies can truly slow ageing and extend lifespan.
In July 2024 study, scientists from found that antibodies targeting IL-11, a protein linked to inflammation, extended the lifespan of mice by 25%, which is comparable to other anti-ageing treatments like rapamycin.
These findings are exciting, as they suggest antibodies could not only help rejuvenate the body’s functions but also enhance immunity in old age. Some antibodies, like those targeting IL-11, are already in human trials, with early results showing they are safe. If successful, these treatments could revolutionize the way we approach ageing and chronic conditions in the future.
The research was published in various journals and reports, with studies being carried out in different labs, including those focused on ageing and immunology. These antibody therapies represent a shift in how scientists view the potential of the immune system, not just as a defense mechanism but as a way to enhance health and longevity.
Greg Winter, a Nobel laureate in Chemistry, shared his hopes for the future of antibody treatments, expressing his desire for a monthly injection that could replace the need for multiple medications. With ongoing trials and research, this dream may become a reality within the next few years, offering new hope for healthier ageing.
