Single-Cell Profiling Reveals Distinct Immune Communication Networks in Centenarians and Elderly Controls
Liwei Qiu1, Chen Dong1, Rui Zhao1
1Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Research Center of Gerontology and Longevity, Research Center of Immunology, Department of Rheumatology, Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
Healthy aging involves distinct immune cell-cell communication (CCC) patterns. Centenarians and their offspring show enhanced immune signaling, unlike controls exhibiting immunosenescence, offering insights into exceptional longevity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Aberrant cell-cell communication (CCC) is a hallmark of aging.
- Comprehensive analyses of immune CCC in healthy aging are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze immune CCC in centenarians (CEN), their offspring (CO), and elderly controls.
- To identify immune remodeling patterns associated with healthy aging and exceptional longevity.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell transcriptomics of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
- Analysis of ligand-receptor (LR) interactions and signaling pathways.
- Validation in an independent longevity cohort.
Main Results:
- Elderly controls showed myeloid-derived, self-amplifying SASP signals linked to immunosenescence and effector immune cell (EIC) exhaustion.
- Healthy-aging individuals (CEN/CO) displayed reinforced positive regulatory factor (PRF)-mediated LR interactions (e.g., IL-15, IL-18).
- These interactions correlated with enhanced EIC cytotoxicity and immune surveillance.
Conclusions:
- Distinct immune CCC reprogramming occurs with age.
- Centenarians exhibit a unique immune remodeling pattern characterized by enhanced PRF-mediated signaling.
- Findings provide a framework for understanding healthy aging and exceptional longevity.
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