In this episode of Longevity Roadmap, Dr. Alessio Lanna, a leading immunologist at University College London and the Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, explores the science of immune ageing. He explains why our immune system weakens as we age and how his research on T cells and telomeres could open the door to reversing this decline—potentially extending not only lifespan but also healthspan.

Key Points:

This episode offers a hopeful look into cutting-edge science that could change how we age. Dr. Lanna’s research suggests that the immune system can be rejuvenated from within, unlocking new paths toward longer, healthier lives.

• The Immune Clock and T Cell Senescence: Dr. Lanna explains that ageing of the immune system, or "immunosenescence," is driven largely by changes in T cells—key defenders against infections and cancer. As T cells lose the ability to replicate, the body becomes more vulnerable to disease.
• Telomere Transfer: A Natural Rescue Mechanism: His research uncovered a surprising natural mechanism: certain immune cells can transfer telomeres (the protective caps at the end of chromosomes) to worn-out T cells, effectively rejuvenating them and restoring their functionality.
• The Role of CD4 T Cells in Telomere Rescue: Helper CD4 T cells, upon recognizing danger signals (not just infections but internal damage too), initiate this telomere donation—offering hope that our bodies already possess the tools to reverse immune ageing.
• From Discovery to Therapy: Dr. Lanna’s team is developing a biologic therapy (based on the telomere-transfer protein TZAP) that could enhance this rejuvenation process artificially, with early results in mice showing improved immune function and even increased lifespan.
• Implications for Human Longevity: While the therapy is still in early stages, the idea of reversing immune system ageing with our own biology could transform how we treat age-related diseases and enhance resilience in later life.