Blocking a protein may reduce buildup of harmful aging cells

A team of researchers from Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University has discovered a protein called PD-L2 that may prevent harmful aging cells from being detected and removed by the body's immune system. This protein could potentially serve as a target for treatments aimed at removing these harmful cells or as a blood marker to monitor their presence.

The findings were published in Cell Metabolism. The researchers observed that in laboratory mice, blocking or removing PD-L2 reduced the number of aging cells and their associated inflammatory substances. As a result, the mice exhibited improved glucose processing and increased grip strength. Additionally, the study found that human aging cells produced higher levels of PD-L2 compared to younger cells, and the protein levels increased in certain human tissues with age.

If a method can be discovered to block this protein, it may help the immune system eliminate these cells, potentially alleviating age-related health issues. Further research is needed to determine if blocking PD-L2 is safe and beneficial for human patients and to better understand its role in age-related diseases.