Scientists discover how harmful “zombie cells” hide from the immune system
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have identified a protein called PD-L2 that allows senescent 'zombie' cells to evade the immune system. Blocking this protein in mice successfully reduced the accumulation of these harmful aging cells.
Why it matters
Targeting PD-L2 could lead to new therapies that clear aging cells from the body, potentially mitigating age-related health issues and inflammation.
Researchers led by Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University have discovered a protein that may allow harmful aging cells to escape detection by the immune system. By helping these cells remain in the body instead of being cleared away, the protein could contribute to their accumulation and the development of health problems associated with aging.
The discovery, published in Cell Metabolism , identifies PD-L2 as a potential target for therapies aimed at eliminating harmful aging cells. Scientists also believe the protein could serve as a blood marker, providing a way to detect and monitor these cells.
"Our findings suggest that PD-L2 may help aging cells stay in the body when they would normally be removed by the immune system," said Selim Chaib, PhD, research assistant professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai and first and co-corresponding author of the study.
How Harmful Aging Cells Escape the Immune System
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