The therapeutic potential of natural killer (NK) cells to combat aging and age-related diseases

The aging process is closely related to changes in the immune system, making the elderly more vulnerable to infections, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. As the global elderly population increases, it becomes increasingly important to understand how the immune system ages to prevent and treat diseases in this group. Natural killer (NK) cells, a vital component of the innate immune system, play a crucial role in managing aging and age-associated diseases (AADs). NK cells collaborate with other components of both innate and adaptive immunity to monitor and eliminate senescent cells (SNCs) and regulate their secretory profiles, known as senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs). However, as people age, NK cell numbers decrease, and their function is compromised. Therefore, maintaining NK cell function during aging is essential to reduce the risk of AADs and promote healthy aging. Alternatively, emerging therapies based on NK cells offer promising approaches to counteract age-related immune decline. Recent studies on adoptive NK cell therapy have shown potential to rejuvenate immune competence, enhance clearance of SNCs, and mitigate adverse SASP effects. This progress presents a significant opportunity to use adoptive NK cell therapy to prevent age-related disorders and represents a promising advancement in the field of longevity therapeutics.