Salk scientists identify two cellular programs linked to age-related dysfunction, ferroptosis and senescence, are mechanistically linked through the enzyme acid ceramidase. The team finds that senescent “zombie” cells are more vulnerable to regulated cell death through ferroptosis and that they can pass that sensitivity on to neighboring cells. The observations suggest acid ceramidase could be a powerful therapeutic target for supporting healthy aging and preventing age-related diseases and disorders such as arthritis, dementia, and cancer.

Tumors can evade immune attack by manipulating the thymus, the organ where T cells are trained. Researchers from Japan discovered that specialized immune cells called plasmacytoid dendritic cells transport tumor antigens to the thymus, promoting immune tolerance to tumors. Disrupting this process in mice enhanced anti-tumor immunity and reduced tumor growth. The findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism of tumor immune evasion and identify CCR9 as a potential target for future cancer immunotherapies.