Scientists at Mayo Clinic have identified a remarkable phenomenon where certain individuals aged over 60 possess immune systems that function like those of much younger people.
The discovery is based on specialised immune cells called stem-like T cells, which typically help regenerate and maintain the body's defences.
Published in Nature Aging, the research examined more than 100 elderly patients seeking treatment for giant cell arteritis, a rare condition causing inflammation in arterial linings.
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Scientists have revealed the 'fountain of youth'
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The investigation revealed these patients harboured unusually youthful immune systems, defying typical age-related decline in immune function that normally leaves older adults more vulnerable to infections and diseases.
However, this apparent biological advantage comes at a cost. Maintaining such youthful immunity triggers autoimmune conditions, where the body's defence mechanisms turn against its own healthy tissues, the findings say.
The stem-like T cells, while preserving immune vitality, were found to be actively promoting disease rather than protection. In the patients studied, these cells were spreading giant cell arteritis throughout their bodies.
This autoimmune disorder causes arterial inflammation, particularly affecting vessels in the head. Without treatment, the condition can result in permanent vision loss, aortic aneurysms and occasionally strokes.
Symptoms typically include severe headaches, jaw discomfort and visual disturbances.
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The research team made their discovery whilst examining diseased tissue from patients receiving treatment at the Minnesota clinic.
"We observed that these patients have very young immune systems despite being in their 60s and 70s," stated Dr Cornelia Weyand, a rheumatologist and clinician-scientist at Mayo Clinic.
"But the price they pay for that is autoimmunity."
The investigation also uncovered that immune checkpoint inhibitors, which normally regulate immune responses, were malfunctioning in these patients. This failure of regulatory mechanisms appears to contribute to the development of autoimmune conditions.
The study assessed more than 100 elderly patients seeking treatment for giant cell arteritis
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Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system erroneously targets the body's own organs and tissues, with over 100 such conditions currently recognised by medical professionals.
"Contrary to what one may think, there are benefits to having an immune system that ages in tandem with the body," explained Mayo Clinic ageing researcher Dr Jörg Goronzy. "We need to consider the price to pay for immune youthfulness. That price can be autoimmune disease."
The researchers suggest that immune ageing serves as a protective mechanism against autoimmunity.
They are now developing diagnostic tests to identify individuals carrying elevated levels of immune stem cells who might be susceptible to autoimmune conditions in later life.