🔬TODAY’S BREAKTHROUGH
Your immune cells carry an internal aging clock and infections or vaccines can speed it up or rewind it.
The Discovery:
Researchers at the Helmholtz Centre / Hannover Medical School developed sc‑ImmuAging, a single‑cell RNA-based immune aging clock, analyzing over 2 million individual immune cells from ~1,000 adults aged 18–97. They found that COVID‑19 accelerated aging in monocytes, while TB vaccination (BCG) rejuvenated CD8⁺ T cells, particularly in people with high inflammation markers.
The Science:
sc‑ImmuAging estimates the biological age of immune cell types (monocytes, T cells, B cells) via single‑cell RNA expression
In COVID‑19, monocytes showed marked age acceleration, which then reverted within ~3 weeks of recovery
In BCG vaccination, CD8⁺ T cells aged less, effect more pronounced in individuals with elevated inflammatory profiles
Demonstrates immune aging heterogeneity across cell types and individuals, suggesting personalized intervention windows
Highlights that immune aging is dynamic, context-sensitive, and reversible under certain conditions
Your Action:
While sc‑ImmuAging isn’t available clinically yet, this work reinforces the critical importance of immune resilience. Protect your immune health by avoiding chronic inflammation, staying current with evidence-based vaccines, and promoting recovery-supporting behaviors like rest, stress reduction, and balanced diets rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Bottom Line:
Your immune system has its own biological clock and it can both age rapidly and recover, depending on infection and inflammation status.
Source:
Single-cell immune aging clocks reveal inter-individual heterogeneity during infection and vaccination, Nature Aging, Yang Li et al., March 19, 2025
https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-025-00819-z
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Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.