Restoring immunity by targeting the aged microenvironment
A key hallmark of aging is a gradual decline in immunity, and specifically T cell immunity. T lymphocytes play a central role in the immune defense against intruders, and support tissue homeostasis and function. Recent studies demonstrate that an aged/dysfunctional T cell immunity is sufficient to drive aging of solid organs, and the development of multiple age-related morbidities. Dr. Ron-Harel’s lab investigates the other direction of this interaction: to define how the in-vivo microenvironment in the aged host dictates T cells aging trajectories. Her AFAR-supported research uses mouse models and human blood samples to investigate how compounds accumulating in the aged spleen due to deficient red blood cell recycling are driving T cell aging phenotypes; and discover novel approaches to reduce toxicity and inhibit the decline in T cell immunity. Finding new ways to rejuvenate immunity holds the promise for comprehensively and simultaneously targeting multiple age-related pathologies.
