Senescent cell-derived vaccines: a new concept towards an immune response against cancer and aging?

Two recent seminal works have untangled the intricate role of tumor-associated senescent cells in cancer progression, or regression, by guiding our immune system against cancer cells. The characterization of these unique, yet diverse cell populations, should be considered, particularly when contemplating the use of senolytics, which are drugs that selectively eliminate senescent cells, in a cancer framework. Here, we will describe the current knowledge in this field. In particular, we will discuss how the presence of senescent cells in tumors could be used as a therapeutic target in immunogenic cancers and how we may hypothetically design an adaptive anti-aging vaccine.

Reduced Levels of Circulating Endothelial Cells and Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction has been suggested as a potential mechanism contributing to the development and progression of heart failure (HF). Levels of circulating endothelial cells (CECs), endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) have been recognized as useful markers of vascular damage and endothelial repair in response to tissue injury. AIMS: To evaluate the circulating levels of EPCs, CECs, and HSPCs among patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: In 82 individuals (42 patients with HFrEF and 42 age-matched subjects without established cardiovascular disease), peripheral blood was drawn and levels of EPCs, CECs, and HSPCs were quantified by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Patients with HFrEF showed lower levels of circulating EPCs (5.28 × 10-3 ± 6.83 × 10-4% vs. 7.76 × 10-3 ± 4.91 × 10-4%, p ≤0.001) and CECs (5.11 × 10-3 ± 7.87 × 10-4% vs. 6.51 × 10-3 ± 5.21 × 10-4%, p = 0.005) when compared to the age-matched group. Circulating levels of HSPCs were not significantly different between groups (p = 0.590). Additionally, the number of EPCs and CECs was significantly higher in HFrEF patients with overweight/obesity (n = 24) compared to patients with normal weight (n = 17). CONCLUSION: Circulating levels of EPCs and CECs were significantly decreased in patients with HFrEF in comparison to age-matched subjects without established cardiovascular disease, suggesting that the levels of CECs and EPCs may be potential biomarkers of the cellular response to vascular injury in patients with HFrEF.