Mayo Clinic researchers have identified interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) as a key biomarker of cellular senescence and aging in both mice and humans. The study, published in Nature Aging, reveals that IL-23R levels increase with age and decrease following treatments aimed at clearing senescent cells, such as senolytic therapies.
Cellular senescence occurs when cells cease dividing but remain metabolically active, secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to various age-related diseases, including those affecting the immune, cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological systems.
As reported by medicalxpress, researchers tested 92 plasma proteins in mice using the Olink Target 96 Mouse Exploratory panel and analyzed tissues from various organs. Their findings showed that IL-23R, along with CCL5 and CA13, exhibited age-related changes, with IL-23R proving the most promising biomarker. It consistently correlated with aging across multiple tissues and showed a strong response to senolytic interventions.
IL-23R’s clear association with senescence makes it a valuable marker for assessing systemic senescent cell burden, potentially enabling early detection and intervention in age-related diseases.