Why retiring means our immunity gets far weaker too Scientists have discovered a key organ behind retires at the same time as we do The thymus is an organ behind the breastbone which produces T cells READ MORE: Change to your toilet habits could be a sign of pancreatic cancer By Alun Palmer Published: 01:43 BST, 25 August 2024 | Updated: 01:47 BST, 25 August 2024 e-mail View comments Scientists have discovered why a key organ retires at the same time as we do – stopping the production of cells that are vital to good health. The thymus produces T cells, which help the body to fight infection and disease. But it virtually stops working around the age of 65, meaning our immune systems become far weaker.
With age, the thymus – located behind the breastbone – shrinks and the T-cell-producing areas are replaced with fatty tissues, while 'scarring' prevents regeneration. Treatments for cancer also damage the thymus, making recovery from infection a lot slower for young people with the disease. Scientists have discovered the thymus, an organ behind the breastbone, retires at the same time as we do – stopping the production of cells that are vital to good health The thymus produces T cells (seen fighting a cancer cell in an illustration), which help the body combat infection and disease Read More Elderly patients near end of life being needlessly given distressing and risky scans, study reveals The team behind the groundbreaking research say their findings could be significant in the development of immune-boosting therapies for over-60s and those undergoing cancer treatment.
Co-author Dr Kelin Zhao, of the WEHI research institute in Melbourne , Australia, said: 'This knowledge enables us to investigate whether these cells can be therapeutically targeted in future to help turn back the clock on the ageing thymus and boost T cell function in humans as we get older. This is the goal our team is working towards.' Professor Daniel Gray, laboratory head at WEHI, said: 'Adults who have depleted immune systems.
.. need years to recover their T cells – or sometimes never do – putting them at higher risk of contracting potentially life-threatening infections for the rest of their lives.
'Exploring ways to restore thymic function is critical to finding new therapies that can improve outcomes for these vulnerable patients and find a way to ensure a healthy level of T cells are produced throughout our lives.' Dr Gray added: 'Our discovery provides a new angle for thymic regeneration and immune restoration and could unravel a way to boost immune function in vulnerable patients in the future.' Share or comment on this article: Why retiring means our immunity gets far weaker too e-mail Add comment.
