Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have discovered a subset of T helper cells that increase with age and help eliminate harmful senescent cells. This finding, linked to healthier immunity in supercentenarians, suggests these cells play a key role in maintaining age-appropriate immune function. The study challenges the idea of resetting the immune system to a youthful state for longevity.
Prof. Alon Monsonego and his team at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev identified a previously unknown group of T helper lymphocytes that become more common as people age. These CD4 T cells, which acquire Eomesodermin, possess killing capabilities to remove senescent cells—damaged cells that accumulate and trigger inflammation if not cleared, contributing to aging and tissue injury.
The discovery stemmed from analyzing shifts in T helper cell functions, which reflect biological age rather than chronological age. A Japanese study on supercentenarians—people over 100—found this subset abundant in their immune systems, supporting its role in sustaining balanced immunity suited to life's stages.
Led by Dr. Yehezqel Elyahu and in collaboration with Prof. Valery Krizhanovsky at the Weizmann Institute of Science, the research was published in Nature Aging on November 15, 2025. Experiments in mice showed that reducing these cells accelerated aging and shortened lifespan, underscoring their protective function.
Prof. Monsonego advocates monitoring these immune patterns from one's 30s to track biological aging and guide interventions. "People say that to reverse aging and 'rejuvenate,' we need to reset their immune system like the immune systems of people in their 20s," he said. "However, our research shows that this might not be the case. People don't need a super-charged immune system; they need one that is working properly and appropriate for their stage in life. So, one of the 'axioms' of how to reduce aging may be incorrect."
The findings, supported by the Israel Ministry of Science and Technology and foundations, offer potential for diagnostics and treatments targeting age-related diseases and longevity.