Immunity and prolongation of youth
American scientists from the University of Arizona, led by Janko Nikolich-Zugich, are developing a mathematical model of the relationship between the degree of activity of the thymus and the state of lymph nodes with the process of biological aging of the body.
The thymus (thymus gland) is an organ of internal secretion, a "factory" for the production of T–lymphocytes - cells that regulate the immune response of the body. Over time, the thymus undergoes involution (reverse development), which is one of the stages of aging.
But even if the thymus works in full, without the lymphatic system, it would be impossible to transport lymphocytes to their destination.
In fact, the immune system consists of immune cells circulating throughout the body (including T-lymphocytes) and lymphoid organs (such as the thymus, spleen and lymph nodes). When a focus of infection occurs, immune cells concentrate in the lymph node closest to it, forming an immune response of the body, one of the stages of which is cell proliferation (division). Clinically, this is manifested in an increase and soreness of the lymph node, an increase in body temperature.
However, after reaching a certain age, the intensity of the body's reaction decreases, the lymph nodes in infectious inflammation in the body practically do not change. This is due to the fact that aging processes occur in the elderly inside the lymph nodes: connective tissue grows chaotically and thickens. This makes it difficult for immune cells to move inside the lymph node, which ultimately leads to a decrease in the quality of the immune response of the entire body.
That is why, according to the author of the theory, there is no formation of stable long-term immunity even with the "rejuvenation" of the thymus and an increase in the number of T-lymphocytes by blocking endogenous androgens.
Currently, studies are being conducted, the purpose of which is to study the state of the immune system not only with the full functioning of the thymus, but also with the preservation of lymph nodes, as well as to assess the impact of all of the above on the quality and duration of life.
Despite the increase in average life expectancy, most people have been living for the last 15-20 years suffering from various chronic diseases. Perhaps the results of the research of the Nikolic-Zugich group and other biogerontologists can give people the opportunity to maintain their health and lead an active lifestyle until the last days.
Article by Paul Nelson and Joanna Masel Intercellular competition and the inevitability of multicellular aging http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2017/10/25/1618854114.full published in PNAS.
Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru Based on University of Arizona: UA Lab Seeks 'Holy Grail of Gerontology'https://uanews.arizona.edu/story/ua-lab-seeks-holy-grail-gerontology