A new study published today reveals a paradox in our immune system: while it protects us from pathogens, it can also contribute to premature aging. Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have discovered that certain immune system proteins, known as death fold domains, can form highly stable structures that trigger cell death and inflammation.
As we age, these structures may form spontaneously, even in the absence of infection, causing chronic inflammation and contributing to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer.
This discovery opens new avenues for anti-aging research, suggesting that regulating these protein structures could be key to preventing age-related diseases.
