The same thing was found in the blood of those over 100 years old! This could be the secret of long life.

Some people can live several decades longer than others by surpassing 100, even 110 years old. A new study by scientists from Osaka University in Japan has revealed this“super-elderly”has uncovered a striking immune system feature that could distinguish these individuals from others.

Researchers found that a rare type of T cell, which plays a significant role in the immune system, is markedly increased in people aged 110 and older.

28 Adults' Blood Samples Examined

In a study published in Cell Reports, blood samples from 28 adults were examined. Participants were divided into three groups: ages 70-99, 100-109, and 110 and older.

The study focused on rare T cells known as CD4 CTL that operate within the immune system, finding that their proportion rises with age.

The CD4 CTL ratio was 4% in the 70‑99 age group, rising to 9.6% in the 100‑109 group, and measuring 17.6% in those aged 110 and over.

The Immune System of Those Over 110 Is Different.

People aged 110 and over are considered an important group in healthy‑aging research because they can delay age‑related diseases into later years.

Previous studies on these individuals also suggest that their immune, cardiovascular, and epigenomic profiles may be younger than their chronological age.

The study’s first author, Associate Professor Kosuke Hashimoto of Osaka University, noted that CD4 CTL cells constitute an unusual and relatively rare group of T cells. These cellssuper oldHe said that the noticeable increase in people offers important clues about how the immune system is protected at very advanced ages.

It May Be Performing a Role Against Aging Cells and Tumors

According to researchers, CD4 CTL cells can target senescent cells that accumulate in the body over time. They are also being considered for a role in immune surveillance against tumors.

Therefore, the selective proliferation of certain T cells at very advanced ages may indicate that the immune system can adapt to the challenges brought by aging.

It's Still Early to Say That the Secret of Longevity Has Been Found

However, scientists emphasize that the study did not prove that high levels of CD4 CTLs directly extend lifespan or provide protection against cancer.

Researchers note that more comprehensive studies are needed to understand how these cells behave in human tissues and to what extent they are linked to healthy aging at very advanced ages.

The new findings provide an important clue about how the immune systems of people over 100 are preserved, while also showing that long life cannot be explained by a single biological mechanism.