Causal relationship between immune cells and telomere length: mendelian randomization analysis

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Immunology
• Aging Research
• Systems Biology

Background:

• The relationship between immune cell characteristics and telomere length is not fully understood.
• Previous research has yielded controversial findings regarding immune cells and telomere length.
• Investigating genetic causality is crucial for clarifying this complex biological association.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic causality between immune cells and telomere length.
• To determine if immune cell variations influence telomere length, and vice versa, at a genetic level.
• To provide a robust genetic basis for understanding immune cell dynamics in relation to aging.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) and Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization (BWMR) analyses.
• Employed Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) data from 3,757 participants for immune cells.
• Sourced telomere length data from the OpenGWAS database and screened instrumental variables using TwoSampleMR and Phenoscanner.

Main Results:

• MR analysis confirmed a genetic causal relationship between 16 validated immune cell types and telomere length.
• Positive correlation observed between telomere length and CD28+CD45RA+CD8br %CD8br (OR=1.002).
• Negative correlation observed between telomere length and Transitional AC (OR=0.991); reverse MR showed telomere length affects CD25 on IgD+CD24- (OR=1.291).

Conclusions:

• Established a mutual genetic causality between immune cells and telomere length.
• Findings support a bidirectional relationship, where immune cells and telomere length influence each other genetically.
• Provides a theoretical foundation for subsequent clinical investigations into immune aging and related diseases.