T cells block nerve cell regeneration with age, but can be reversed – mice study
New research in mice shows T cells prevent damaged nerve cells from regenerating due to a reversible, ageing-related mechanism.
Previous research has shown that ageing impacts the ability of nerve cells to regenerate following an injury, which can impact recovery and lead to long-term disability. However, the biological mechanisms underlying this regenerative decline are poorly understood and there are no treatments available to help repair damaged nerve cells.
Now, a new study in mice led by researchers at Imperial College London has revealed that this may be due to T cells blocking regenerative signals in nerve cells with age.
The findings, published in Science, also provide positive evidence that these T cells can be repressed using targeted drugs called monoclonal antibodies to restore and improve nerve cell regeneration.
To better understand the mechanisms underlying ageing-related regenerative decline in nerve cells, the study team performed RNA sequencing on young and old mice preceding and following a sciatic nerve injury.
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