People who live past 110 have unique immune cells capable of destroying damaged structures, reports infohub.kz.
Researchers at Osaka University found that supercentenarians have elevated levels of a special type of cell—CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Previously, it was thought that the immune system gradually declines with age. However, new data show that the immune systems of supercentenarians continue to actively adapt to emerging threats and prevent the development of dangerous pathologies.
In the study, scientists analyzed blood samples from 28 participants across different age groups. The results showed that the proportion of cytotoxic cells increases significantly after age 100. While in people aged 70 to 99, this proportion was about 4%, in supercentenarians over 110, it averaged 17.6%.
The researchers found that the immune system of supercentenarians actively copies the most effective protective cells to fight chronic threats. Molecular analysis showed that the cells' response is similar to the body's reaction to malignant tumors. Although a direct link to slowing aging has not yet been proven, the researchers believe that regular neutralization of abnormal cells helps maintain health into extreme old age.