Immunological research on longevity and cancer

Medical research has highlighted significant immunological patterns in centenarians that may contribute to extreme longevity and disease resistance. Studies indicate that individuals living beyond 110 years possess a significantly higher concentration of specific immune cells, namely CD4+ cytotoxic T cells. While these cells comprise approximately 4% of analyzed cells in those aged 70 to 90, they increase to 9.6% in centenarians and reach roughly 17.6% in those over 110.

These cells are capable of recognizing and destroying other cells, including certain cancer cells. Researchers noted that these cells showed clonal expansions similar to those found in cancer patients, despite the centenarians having no cancer diagnoses, suggesting a protective immune response against nascent cancer cells.

In related immunological developments, researchers have identified monocyte-derived cells in the lungs that produce galectin-1 and support tissue-resident memory T cells, which could improve the efficacy of nasal influenza vaccines. Additionally, separate research into the cannabinoid receptor CB2R suggests that targeting this receptor with low doses of THC may reduce the aggressiveness and self-renewal capacity of breast cancer organoids in laboratory models.