Lab-grown immune cells rejuvenated the brains of aging and Alzheimer’s-affected mice, improving memory and neural health. The discovery could pave the way for regenerative, stem-cell-based anti-aging therapies. Credit: Shutterstock
Scientists at Cedars-Sinai have developed “young” immune cells from human stem cells that reversed signs of aging and Alzheimer’s disease in the brains of laboratory mice, according to findings published in Advanced Science. The breakthrough suggests these cells could eventually lead to new treatments for age-related and neurodegenerative conditions in people.
Clive Svendsen, PhD, executive director of the Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and senior author of the study, explained the team’s innovative approach. “Previous studies have shown that transfusions of blood or plasma from young mice improved cognitive decline in older mice, but that is difficult to translate into a therapy,” Svendsen said. “Our approach was to use young immune cells that we can manufacture in the lab — and we found that they have beneficial effects in both aging mice and mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.”