Scientists want to slow down the aging process

Scientists at Juntendo University in the Japanese capital Tokyo are working on a vaccine that can prevent so-called zombie cells from causing us to age. The researchers were able to demonstrate the success of the project in initial studies on mice.

The research focuses on cells that no longer multiply, but also do not want to die – hence the nickname zombie cells. Scientifically correct, such cells are called senescent. Accumulations of such cells are usually associated with aging and various diseases of old age.

The disease potential of senescent cells is that they release chemicals that can cause inflammation in surrounding healthy cells. Such zombie cells can be caused by a number of factors. In particular, the general wear and tear of the cell’s genetic material, which occurs with each division, as well as greater DNA damage are considered to be decisive for the development of zombie cells.

A study from 2011 was able to prove that the elimination of senescent cells delays age-related diseases. In later studies it could be confirmed that the elimination of such cells can also alleviate and in some cases even prevent diseases.

The findings from the latest study were published in the journal Nature aging released. In it, the scientists at Juntendo University describe how their vaccine can prevent the accumulation of aging cells.

To do this, they identified a protein that is found in the aging cells of humans and mice. Then they developed a peptide vaccine that triggers an immune response against this protein. Similar to a vaccine against a virus or bacteria, the vaccine “trains” the body’s immune system to make antibodies against the previously identified protein. They then recognize the aging cells and eliminate them.

The team tested the vaccine on mice suffering from atherosclerosis. This is a thickening and hardening of the arterial walls, which often occurs in old age. The vaccine not only improved the atherosclerosis of the mice, but was also able to slow down “normal and pathological aging in aged mice” and “extend the lifespan of mice with premature aging”.

That is why the lead study author dares to talk to Professor Toru Minamino the Japan Times to say, “We can assume that (the vaccine) will be used to treat stiff arteries, diabetes, and other age-related diseases.”

All of this sounds good, but it is not the key to eternal life. Firstly, it remains unclear at first whether the results from animal experiments can be transferred to humans. Second, cellular senescence is not the only characteristic of aging. In addition to the accumulation of zombie cells, aging people also experience shortening of telomeres, instability of the genome, epigenetic changes, depletion of stem cells and other biochemical signs of aging. The attack on our senescent cells is only part of the solution.