Supercentenarian Secret

[phkrause]

People age 100 and older appear to have elevated levels of a rare immune cell that kills cancerous cells, according to a study published this week. The finding suggests that late-age immune adaptations may play a role in longevity.  Researchers in Japan tested blood samples from 28 adults divided into three age groups: 70 to 99, 100 to 109, and 110 and older. They found that the older participants, on average, exhibited a higher ratio of CD4 CTLs, a rare immune cell also found in people fighting cancer (immune system 101, w/video). However, these older participants showed no signs of cancer. The researchers believe elevated levels of CD4 CTLs may signal a new stage of immune development that emerges around age 100 and helps the body eliminate abnormal cells, which become increasingly common with age.  Yesterday was the 117th birthday of the world's oldest living person, an Englishwoman named Ethel Caterham. The oldest living person on record died in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days.  Explore how cancer develops and the future of treatments with 1440's expert-curated resources here.