Longevity & AgingCD4 T Cell Therapy Blocks Inflammaging by Protecting the Gut Barrier
Researchers used a mouse model with dysfunctional T cells (Tfam-deficient) to show that T cell failure disrupts the gut barrier, drives dysbiosis, and fuels systemic inflammation and tissue senescence. Depleting the gut microbiota with antibiotics, or restoring CD4 T cells—especially regulatory T cells (Tregs)—via adoptive transfer, repaired intestinal barrier integrity, reduced inflammatory markers, and extended both healthspan and lifespan. The findings establish gut barrier preservation by competent CD4 T cells as a key mechanism preventing inflammaging and age-related multimorbidity.
