Does this disappearing organ hold the secret of longevity? - Al Jazeera

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that researchers are paying renewed attention to the thymus, a small immune gland in the upper chest that is prominent early in life but gradually shrinks and loses activity with age. The organ is where immature immune cells develop into T cells, which help detect infected or cancerous cells and coordinate immune defenses. Once widely viewed as largely irrelevant after childhood, the thymus is now being studied for its possible links to healthier ageing, cancer outcomes and cardiovascular disease.

The article cites recent research, including studies published in Nature in March, in which scientists used AI to examine CT scans. One Harvard Medical School-led team found that adults whose thymus appeared healthier had longer survival and lower rates of cancer and cardiovascular disease than those with less healthy-looking thymic tissue. Another study suggested thymic health may affect how cancer patients respond to immunotherapy. Al Jazeera also notes a 2023 study associating thymus removal with higher death and cancer rates five years later.

Paola Bonfanti of University College London cautioned in the report that these findings show associations, not proof that the thymus directly causes longer life or better health. She said healthier people may simply retain more thymic tissue as they age. Researchers still need to determine whether preserving or restoring thymus function can safely improve immune responses or extend lifespan.

The potential significance is that thymus decline contributes to fewer newly produced T cells and less immune diversity, factors linked to weaker vaccine responses and reduced ability to confront new infections. Al Jazeera, citing Nature, reports that Tolerance Bio is developing an antibody intended to slow thymus shrinkage, with clinical trials expected next year; experts expect any first use would likely focus on patients with serious unmet medical needs rather than healthy people seeking anti-ageing treatments.