Senescent cells accumulate and drive age-related tissue dysfunction
Senescent or "zombie" cells are living cells that stop dividing but remain metabolically active and alter tissue function. They show markers such as p16, p21, persistent DNA-damage signaling, mitochondrial and lysosomal abnormalities, and produce a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (sasp) that releases inflammatory cytokines and remodeling enzymes. Senescence is a protective brake against damaged cells and aids development and wound healing, but immunosenescence and impaired lymphatic clearance let senescent cells persist. Persistent accumulation can drive chronic inflammation, fibrosis and multiple age-related diseases, and researchers warn against indiscriminate senescent-cell removal while seeking selective targeting strategies.
Senescent cells accumulate with age and drive chronic tissue inflammation
Context
Recent reviews show that aging reduces immune clearance of senescent cells. Next, researchers may test immune-based or selective ways to remove harmful senescent cells while preserving helpful ones.
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