Longevity & Aging

Heart Protein TSLP Reduces Post-Heart Attack Damage by Recruiting Protective Immune Cells

Researchers discovered that thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a protein released by heart muscle cells after myocardial infarction, plays a crucial protective role in cardiac recovery. Using mouse models, they found that TSLP recruits beneficial immune cells called eosinophils to the heart, which help resolve inflammation and prevent excessive scarring. When TSLP was absent, mice experienced worse heart damage and more fibrosis. The protein works by blocking harmful cellular death pathways and promoting healing, suggesting TSLP-based therapies could improve outcomes for heart attack patients.