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T cells with dysfunctional mitochondria induce multimorbidity and premature senescence

Desdin-Mico, Gabriela; Soto-Heredero, Gonzalo; Francisco Aranda, Juan; Oller, Jorge; Carrasco, Elisa; Gabande-Rodriguez, Enrique; Maria Blanco, Eva; Alfranca, Arantzazu; Cusso, Lorena; Desco, Manuel; Ibanez, Borja; Gortazar, Arancha R.; Fernandez-Marcos, P

SCIENCE
2020
VL / 368 - BP / 1371 - EP / +
abstract
The effect of immunometabolism on age-associated diseases remains uncertain. In this work, we show that T cells with dysfunctional mitochondria owing to mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) deficiency act as accelerators of senescence. In mice, these cells instigate multiple aging-related features, including metabolic, cognitive, physical, and cardiovascular alterations, which together result in premature death. T cell metabolic failure induces the accumulation of circulating cytokines, which resembles the chronic inflammation that is characteristic of aging ("inflammaging"). This cytokine storm itself acts as a systemic inducer of senescence. Blocking tumor necrosis factor-a signaling or preventing senescence with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide precursors partially rescues premature aging in mice with Tfam-deficient T cells. Thus, T cells can regulate organismal fitness and life span, which highlights the importance of tight immunometabolic control in both aging and the onset of age-associated diseases.

AccesS level

Green published

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