Senescent cells as a target for anti-aging interventions: From senolytics to immune therapies

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and cellular biology
• Biomedical research and therapeutic development

Background:

• Cellular senescence, a key aging hallmark, drives multimorbidity and mortality.
• Accumulated senescent cells contribute to age-associated disease pathogenesis.
• Senotherapies offer potential for alleviating age-related disorders and extending healthspan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated overview of senolytic therapy discovery and development.
• To review the translational progress of senotherapies from preclinical to clinical stages.
• To identify challenges in senotherapeutic development and propose future intervention perspectives.

Main Methods:

• Review of current small-molecule senolytic compounds targeting senescent cells or their secretory phenotype (SASP).
• Exploration of immunotherapies, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapies and senolytic vaccines, targeting senescent cell surface antigens.
• Analysis of preclinical and clinical trial data for senolytic interventions.

Main Results:

• Senolytic therapies, including small molecules and immunotherapies, are advancing rapidly.
• Significant progress has been made in translating senotherapies from laboratory research to clinical trials.
• Senescence heterogeneity presents a key challenge for effective senotherapeutic development.

Conclusions:

• Senotherapies represent a promising strategy for combating aging and age-related diseases.
• Addressing senescence heterogeneity is crucial for optimizing future anti-aging interventions.
• Further research and development are needed to enhance healthy longevity through senotherapeutics.