2024-09-16 12:28:50
As we age, these cells become less effective in fighting infections and their response to vaccines decreases.
T lymphocytes are a type of immune cell in the blood that protects the body against infectious diseases. As we age, these cells become less effective in fighting infections and their response to vaccines decreases. T cells are generated in the thymus, a key organ in the choreography of the immune response. The decline in thymus function that occurs with age has important negative consequences for the elderly and immunocompromised patients, such as cancer patients or people who have recently received a bone marrow transplant.
Nuno L. Alves, from the Instituto de Investigação e Innovação em Saúde (i3S), at the University of Porto (Portugal), leads a new project located in the field of immunology and infectious diseases. The project focuses on the mechanisms that regulate the generation of immune-competent T cells and, as such, are determinants of protective antimicrobial cell responses. “Our complete approach will provide a major reason for new therapies to treat T cell-related disorders and therefore represents a significant advance in medical technologies,” he pointed out. To do this, the team will conduct research at different levels, from analysis at the cellular level to the study of infection models in mice, all with the aim of better understanding the function of the thymus in vivo.
The researcher also points out that, with the advent of refined treatments, a new challenge has emerged regarding late-onset immune-related disorders (susceptibility to infections, cancer and autoimmunity). “Our project will reveal important molecular details and thus provide wisdom for the definition of alternatives related to the most effective immunotherapy methods to improve the immune response and long-term health trajectory in groups of individuals -each.” M. Baldomà
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