Key points from article :
Therapy could help fight against the degenerative effects of aging and the diseases associated with it.
New therapy builds on an existing class of drugs called senolytics.
Senolytics must be targeted towards senescent cells whilst leaving healthy cells unaffected.
Researchers designed an antibody-drug conjugate(ADC), targets a membrane marker found on aging cells.
Called B2M, was recently identified as an indicator of senescence in cells.
Antibody binds to the marker to release cytotoxic drug duocarmycin into the cell.
In human cell lines, the antibody was specific for senescent cells.
Professor Salvador Macip says "...the targeted senolytics, which should eliminate senescent cells without affecting the rest"
Research stands as an early proof-of-concept for an antibody targeting approach to senolysis.
Requires further testing to fully identify the mechanisms involved.
Research by University of Leicester published in Scientific Reports.
