a day ago
Some adults in their 60s have younger immune systems, research finds
Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered that some individuals over 60 possess immune systems that appear significantly younger than their chronological age.
This cellular 'youthfulness' in older adults, however, is associated with a significant drawback: an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
The discovery was made while studying over 100 older patients receiving treatment for giant cell arteritis, a rare autoimmune condition.
Researchers found these patients had 'stem-like T cells' which, despite behaving like young stem cells, were contributing to the spread of autoimmune disease.
The findings suggest a complex trade-off, indicating that an immune system aging in tandem with the body may offer benefits, despite the perceived advantage of a 'younger' immune system.
