Longevity research explores immune advantages of supercentenarians

Ethel Caterham, currently the world's oldest person, is celebrating her 117th birthday in Surrey, England. Having lived through two World Wars, the moon landing, and the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, Caterham remains enthusiastic about life. In September 2025, she fulfilled a long-held dream by meeting King Charles III.

Scientific research provides insight into the biological basis of such extreme longevity. A study by researchers at the University of Osaka, published in 'Cell Reports', suggests that supercentenarians (those aged 110 or older) possess a unique immunological advantage.

By analyzing blood samples, researchers found a progressive increase in CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD4 CTL) as age increases. While these cells represent about 4% of T cells in individuals aged 70 to 99, they comprise over 17% in those aged 110 and older. Notably, these cells do not show signs of immune exhaustion, allowing them to remain highly functional in combating infections and cancer even at extreme ages.