The immune system, which protects the body from birth, gradually loses its strength over time. Researchers from the United States sought to determine how to restore its former functions, and their work yielded promising results, as reported by Nature.
The thymus, or thymic gland, plays an important role in protecting the body by producing and maturing T-lymphocytes, which are essential for fighting viruses, bacteria, malignant cells, and other threats. This gland operates at peak capacity during the first three years of life, but its activity begins to decline with the onset of sexual maturity, and after the age of 40, it virtually loses its functionality, retaining only a small reserve.
To address the issue of T-lymphocyte deficiency, American scientists turned their attention to the liver as a potential source for their production.
In experiments on mice, three proteins responsible for T-cell synthesis were identified, which lose their activity over time. Using mRNA therapy, researchers introduced these proteins into the livers of older rodents to activate the process of T-cell production.
The results of the experiment were promising: the test mice showed an increase in both the quantity and diversity of T-lymphocytes. Additionally, they exhibited an improved response to vaccination, which contributed to a more effective fight against cancer cells. This indicates a restoration and activation of the immune system.
