Key points from article :
A new study published in Nature Aging and led by Dr. Yehezqel Elyahu from Prof. Alon Monsonego’s lab at Ben-Gurion University reveals that not all age-related changes in the immune system are harmful. The team identified a surprising subset of CD4 T helper cells that actually increase with age and may help protect the body from ageing-related damage. These findings emerged after researchers noticed that Japanese supercentenarians—people over 110—had unusually high levels of these same cells.
Traditionally, ageing is linked to the build-up of senescent cells, damaged cells that stop dividing but refuse to die, promoting inflammation and tissue decline. The newly identified T helper cells help counteract this buildup by destroying senescent cells. In mouse experiments, reducing these T cells sped up ageing and shortened lifespan, underscoring their protective role.
The research challenges the common idea that rejuvenation requires “resetting” the immune system to a youthful state. Instead, Prof. Monsonego argues that what people need is an immune system appropriate for their age—neither overactive nor depleted. Since these beneficial T cell changes begin early, the team suggests monitoring individuals from their 30s to track biological ageing long before problems appear.
Beyond reshaping how scientists view ageing, these T helper cells may become valuable biomarkers and therapeutic targets for combating age-related diseases and promoting longevity.
