Mucosal TLR5 Activation Controls Healthspan and Longevity
January 2024
in “
Nature communications
”
TLDR Activating TLR5 in the gut can extend lifespan and improve health in aged mice.
The study demonstrates that mucosal activation of Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) via a flagellin-containing fusion protein (FP) significantly extends lifespan and enhances healthspan in aged mice. This intervention improved various aging-related phenotypes, such as reduced hair loss, decreased ocular lens opacity, increased bone mineral density, improved stem cell activity, delayed thymic involution, enhanced cognitive function, and prevention of pulmonary fibrosis. The beneficial effects were linked to increased TLR5 expression and interleukin-22 (IL-22) secretion, which bolstered intestinal mucosal integrity. The findings suggest that TLR5-dependent mucosal stimulation could be a promising strategy for promoting healthy aging and longevity.