Old Mice Lacking PD-L2 Collect Fewer Worn-Out Cells
Graded Preliminary — experiments in mice and in human cells in the lab; whether blocking PD-L2 works in people has not been tested.
Animal study. Findings may not carry over to people, which is why the grade is capped at Preliminary.
- Design
- Animal study
- Participants
- N/A
- Duration
- —
- Funding
- NIA NIH HHS; NIDDK NIH HHS
Old mice without PD-L2 had fewer worn-out cells, a stronger grip and a better response to insulin.
As we age, worn-out cells that no longer divide build up in the body. The immune system normally clears them away. New experiments in mice point to a way these cells hide: a protein called PD-L2 that shields them from immune attack. Old mice born without the gene for PD-L2 carried fewer of these cells. They also had a stronger grip and responded better to insulin, the hormone that lowers blood sugar.
The team first looked at human cells in the lab. Worn-out cells carried more PD-L2, and levels also rose with age. Senolytics, drugs that clear worn-out cells, removed especially those cells with a lot of PD-L2. The researchers then blocked PD-L2 in old, ordinary mice. Afterwards, the animals' response to insulin was restored.
PD-L2 belongs to a family of immune brakes already known from cancer treatment. Whether blocking it would help people was not tested: the results come from mice and lab-grown cells. Several authors hold patents on PD-L2 or on senolytic drugs.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Several authors hold patents on PD-L2 and senolytic drugs, some licensed to companies; one author owns shares in senolytics firms.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.