by Researchers have identified a key protein, known as the CD300f immune receptor, that plays a crucial role in determining life expectancy and healthy aging in mice. Published in the journal Cell Reports, the study found that when the CD300f immune receptor is absent, animal models have a shorter life expectancy and suffer from pathologies associated with cognitive decline and premature aging, especially in females.
The study, led by Hugo Peluffo from the University of Barcelona, suggests that alterations in immune system cells, such as macrophages and microglia, can determine the degree of healthy aging in mice. Understanding how the CD300f immune receptor and the myeloid cells of the immune system can influence the onset of aging-associated pathologies will aid in better comprehending the aging process and contribute to the development of strategies to regulate its action.
One potential application of this research is the use of the CD300f immune receptor as a target in biomedicine. Additionally, the study suggests that some variants of the CD300f immune receptor could serve as useful biomarkers in patients. The study, which involved teams from the Molecular Imaging Uruguayan Center and other institutions, provides the first evidence of the CD300f immune receptor’s role in aging and senescence processes.
The research found that mice lacking the CD300f immune receptor exhibited premature development of pathologies associated with aging, including cognitive deficits, motor incoordination, and tumors. These mice also experienced damage to several organs, such as the brain, liver, and lungs. The study also noted that females were more affected by the absence of the CD300f immune receptor.
To gain a deeper understanding of the aging process, the researchers conducted detailed monitoring of several cohorts of animals for thirty months. This methodological innovation allowed them to observe the natural aging process in these animals without relying on accelerated aging models, which fail to fully represent the gradual accumulation of changes with age.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to continue studying the consequences of CD300f immune receptor dysfunction on brain aging, particularly on microglia. This ongoing research may provide valuable insights into the role of the immune system in healthy aging and potential interventions to promote longevity and well-being.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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