Immune System Aging Linked to Decline of Key Protein PF4, Study Reveals

6 days ago7 min read

Scientists have identified a key driver behind the immune system's decline with age: a drop in levels of a crucial protein called platelet factor 4 (PF4). This discovery offers a new target for potential therapies aimed at rejuvenating immune function in older adults.As PF4 diminishes over time, it fails to regulate blood-forming stem cells in the bone marrow. These cells then over-produce and generate skewed, dysfunctional immune cells, leading to chronic inflammation and reduced defense against infections.In a promising turn, restoring PF4 levels in aged mice reversed these effects, rebalancing stem cell activity and improving immune cell function. Similar results were observed in human cell cultures, indicating the mechanism's relevance to human health.While translating this finding into human treatments presents challenges—such as safely delivering the protein without affecting blood clotting—the research opens a direct path toward developing interventions for immune rejuvenation. Such therapies could one day enhance vaccine responses in the elderly or aid recovery from cancer treatments.

#lead focus news

#aging

#immune system

#platelet factor 4

#stem cells

#inflammation

#cancer research

#regenerative medicine