Overview
- Researchers analyzing tissue from over 100 patients with giant cell arteritis found a subset in their 60s and 70s whose immune profiles resembled those of much younger individuals.
- Specialized stem-like T cells concentrated in diseased arterial tissue appear to regenerate immune responses as in youth but also promote autoimmune attacks.
- Malfunctioning immune checkpoint proteins failed to restrain these youthful cells, helping to explain how they drive tissue inflammation.
- The Mayo Clinic team is now developing tests to detect elevated levels of these stem-like T cells and assess autoimmune risk in older adults.
- The findings challenge assumptions about blanket immune rejuvenation and prompt broader studies into prevalence, mechanisms and potential therapies.