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Scientists have developed a way to rejuvenate the ageing immune system by using mRNA to boost the liver into an immune-supporting organ. When people age, their immune system weakens. It is mainly because thymus, the organ near the heart responsible for producing and supporting T cells, shrinks slowly and stops functioning. This makes older adults more vulnerable to infections and reduces the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments.

To counter this problem, researchers designed an mRNA-based approach that compensates for the thymus’s reduced activity. Instead of trying to repair the thymus directly, they gave mRNA to liver cells, prompting them to produce key immune-boosting signals that the thymus normally supplies. These signals help T cells survive, diversify, and respond more effectively to threats.

Experiments with mice showed better immune performance. Older mice that received the mRNA therapy generated diverse populations of T cells after vaccination. They responded better to cancer immunotherapy compared with untreated mice. Importantly, the approach worked temporarily, reducing the risk of harmful side effects seen in earlier methods that relied on circulating growth factors.

The thymus plays a crucial role early in life by guiding immature T cells through a selection process that ensures immune diversity. However, it begins to decline from early adulthood and by age 75, it almost becomes nonfunctional, leading to immune aging.

Scientists believe that restoring essential immune functions could help people remain healthier for longer and aim to strengthen immune protection well into old age. The experiment is still in the animal stage, and if adapted for humankind, it could help strengthen immunity up to old age.

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