Nutrition, metabolism and immunity play a significant role in the process of ageing, a new study by University College London researchers finds.
Previous studies established that a molecule called '"p38 MAPK", which acts as a brake to prevent certain cellular functions, controlled immune system cells known as "T lymphocytes".
But in this study, ULC analysts found this action could be reversed by using a p38 MAPK inhibitor. The researchers suggested a high possibility of rejuvenating old T cells using drug treatment.
Researchers produced a prototype mechanism that demonstrates how nutrient and senescence signals converge to regulate the function of T lymphocytes. They noted that the function of old T lymphocytes could be reconstituted by blocking one of several molecules involved in the process.
Additionally, the study revealed that blocking p38 MAPK boosted the fitness of cells that had shown signs of ageing. It also improved the function of mitochondria and enhanced their ability to divide.
"An important question is whether this knowledge can be used to enhance immunity during ageing. Many drug companies have already developed p38 inhibitors in attempts to treat inflammatory diseases," the researchers said. "One new possibility for their use is that these compounds could be used to enhance immunity in older subjects. Another possibility is that dietary instead of drug intervention could be used to enhance immunity since metabolism and senescence are two sides of the same coin."
Dietary choices strongly influence one's ageing process. It is a known fact that a person's immunity system starts to weaken with age. This is one of the reasons the elderly are at a higher risk of developing cancer and infections. Also, vaccination becomes less effective as a person ages.
"Our life expectancy at birth is now twice as long as it was 150 years ago and our lifespans are on the increase. Healthcare costs associated with ageing are immense and there will be an increasing number of older people in our population who will have a lower quality of life due in part to immune decline. It is therefore essential to understand reasons why immunity decreases and whether it is possible to counteract some of these changes," lead author Professor Arne Akbar said in a press statement.
The study was funded by BBSRC and the Medical Research Council. Findings were published online in the journal Nature Immunology.
