A first-in-human clinical trial of an immune rejuvenation therapy designed to restore the function of worn-out T cells is expected to begin later this year, according to a June 17 announcement by University College London (UCL) scientists. The Phase 1 trial will focus on exhausted or senescent T cells, which accumulate with age and in chronic disease and become less effective at coordinating immune protection.
Researchers hope that metabolically resetting these cells may help the immune system regain characteristics associated with younger, healthier immune responses. They say the work may have clinical utility for diseases such as cancer, HIV and dementia.
The new therapy was developed by SenTcell, a biotech company founded by Dr. Alessio Lanna of UCL Medicine. It is designed to rejuvenate worn-out immune cells not by attacking diseased cells directly but by restoring the immune system's natural ability to recognize and respond to threats. The treatment is a liquid formulation administered via intramuscular injection and aims to reprogramme key pathways that drive immune dysfunction.
Dr. Lanna said, "People living with HIV are now able to live long and healthy lives thanks to major advances in treatment, but many still experience features of accelerated immune aging. Similar patterns of immune dysfunction are also seen in cancer and other chronic diseases." He added, "This trial is an important step towards testing whether we can safely rejuvenate exhausted immune cells and restore aspects of healthy immune function. Our goal is to help establish immune rejuvenation as a new way of treating diseases linked to immune aging and dysfunction."
The research builds on findings suggesting some dysfunctional T cells—specifically CD4+ T cells—can be restored toward a more youthful state. These CD4+ T cells are often described as the "conductors" of the immune system because they help direct other white blood cells' response against infection or disease. Researchers are also investigating whether structures called telomere Rivers released from rejuvenated CD4+ T cells could influence tissue health throughout the body; this idea remains under investigation.
The programme has received support through the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway for its potential impact on age-related decline in immunity. The Phase 1 trial will carefully select adult participants showing evidence of immunological dysfunction or chronic viral infection; detailed profiling before and after treatment will assess safety and biological activity.
