Osaka University researchers link rare immune cells to extreme longevity

Researchers at Osaka University have identified a specific type of immune cell that may contribute to extreme longevity. According to a study published in the journal ‘Cell Reports’, individuals aged 110 and older possess significantly higher levels of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, specifically CD4 CTL cells, compared to younger populations.

In the study, which analyzed blood samples from 28 individuals across three age groups, the percentage of these rare cells increased with age: 4 percent in those aged 70–99, 9.6 percent in those aged 100–109, and 17.6 percent in those aged 110 and older. These cells appear to undergo a process of cellular cloning to increase their numbers, potentially as an adaptive response to age-related challenges.

Dr. Kosuke Hashimoto, a co-author of the study, noted that the findings suggest the immune system does not simply weaken with age but can selectively adapt. While these cells are known for their ability to fight infections and destroy cancer cells, scientists emphasize that further laboratory analysis is required to definitively confirm their anti-cancer role in promoting extreme longevity.