The secret to anti-aging may already be inside all of us, scientists suggest Researchers found certain blood cells can be ‘reprogrammed’ to stop aging The therapy involves modifying blood cells to attack others that control aging READ MORE: Get more secrets to a healthier you on our new wellness page! Forget the Fountain of Youth – the secret to anti-aging might be hidden inside all of us already, scientists say. Researchers have found that certain white blood cells can be ‘reprogrammed’ to stop our bodies from deteriorating as we get older. The extraordinary therapy can even be used to turn back the clock and ‘rejuvenate’ people who have already experienced signs of aging. Professor Corina Amor Vegas, of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York, tested the treatment on mice and found it worked better than any mythical spring. She said: ‘If we give it to aged mice, they rejuvenate. If we give it to young mice, they age slower. No other therapy right now can do this.’ Researchers have found that certain white blood cells can be ‘reprogrammed’ to stop our bodies from deteriorating as we get older The anti-aging therapy involves modifying T-cells in the blood to attack another group of cells known as senescent cells. Senescent cells are those that stop replicating and contribute to the natural aging process. As people get older, these cells build up in the body, resulting in harmful inflammation and many of the diseases people grapple with later in life. While several drugs currently exist that can eliminate these cells, they must be taken repeatedly over time. The alternative developed by the researchers, a ‘living’ drug called CAR-T cells, could lead to healthier lives with no side effects. CAR-T cell therapy is type of immunotherapy currently used to treat cancer patients. The team found just one dose of the ‘living’ drug at a young age can have lifelong effects. That single treatment can protect against conditions that commonly occur later in life, like obesity and diabetes. After receiving the therapy, the test mice were found to have lower body weight, improved metabolism and glucose tolerance, and increased physical activity. All benefits came without any tissue damage or toxicity. Dr Amor Vegas said: ’T cells have the ability to develop memory and persist in your body for really long periods, which is very different from a chemical drug. ‘With CAR-T cells, you have the potential of getting this one treatment, and then that’s it.’ The scientists reported their findings in the journal Nature Aging. The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.
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