Scientists at Cedars-Sinai have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to new treatments for brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease. They created “young” immune cells from human stem cells, which reversed signs of aging and improved cognitive decline in mice. The treated animals showed better memory and healthier brain structures. These findings suggest a personalized path to slowing down brain aging.
The researchers used human induced pluripotent stem cells to generate new, young mononuclear phagocytes that circulate through the body to clear harmful substances. When infused into aging mice and mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, these lab-grown immune cells observed remarkable improvements in brain function and structure. The treated mice outperformed untreated mice on memory tests and had healthier microglia, specialized immune cells in the brain responsible for detecting and clearing damaged tissue.
While the exact mechanism behind these benefits is not yet clear, researchers propose that the young mononuclear phagocytes may release anti-aging proteins or tiny extracellular vesicles capable of entering the brain, or they might remove pro-aging factors from the bloodstream, protecting the brain from harmful effects. Ongoing studies aim to identify the precise mechanism and determine how best to translate these findings into human therapies.
This breakthrough has sparked excitement among researchers, as it suggests a new approach to treating age-related and neurodegenerative conditions in people. With unlimited availability through personalized therapy, these young immune cells could potentially lead to significant advancements in the fight against brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251023031631.htm