Age-Related Decline in Thymic Activity Correlates with Life Span in Dog Breeds

Researchers here report on thymic activity in dog breeds of varying longevity. The thymus plays an important role in the creation of new T cells, but its activity declines with age, most notably in early adulthood via the process of thymic involution, but then further in later life. A lower supply of new immune cells contributes to the age-related decline of the immune system, which is in part a structural problem of too many memory T cells dedicated to specific pathogens and too few naive T cells capable of dealing with new threats. Those threats are not just invading microorganisms, but also harmful senescent and cancerous cells. The progressive failure of the immune system is one of the reasons why cancer is an age-related condition and the number of senescent cells increase with age. It isn't just a matter of increasing frailty due to vulnerability to infection, as immune decline also influences many other aspects of aging. Given all of this, there is some interest in rejuvenation of the thymus, restoring it to youthful levels of activity. Possible approaches here include engineering of thymus tissue for transplantation, or manipulation with signal molecules that direct thymic growth and function. With increasing age, there is a gradual deterioration in immune function, leading to a reduced response to infectious agents and vaccination, alongside an increase in prevalence of autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. A similar age-related decline in health is seen compa...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs