Inflammageing: the biomarkers driving inflammation and ageing

Want to live a long and healthy life? We're exploring the science behind chronic inflammation and how it contributes to early-onset disease.

Research led by Dr Raffi Gugasyan shows how certain key biomarkers, called ‘cytokines’, can accelerate ageing and what we can do about it.

Why inflammation matters as we age 

Inflammation is a natural process the immune system uses to protect the body from infections and injuries.  

However, persistent or chronic inflammation, known as ‘inflammageing’, can damage healthy tissues, accelerate ageing, and increase susceptibility to conditions such as heart disease, kidney dysfunction, liver complications and neurological decline. 

People with multiple chronic conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, tend to have elevated markers of systemic inflammation. That’s why understanding and addressing these changes in the immune system is essential to improving the quality of life in our later years.

The science behind ‘inflammageing’

Dr Raffi Gugasyan and his team are investigating the cellular triggers of inflammation. 

The research focuses on immune cells known as B cells, which play a critical role in protecting the body against infections. 

• Naïve B cells: These are "fresh" immune cells that have never encountered pathogens. They are vital for mounting responses to new infections and ensuring vaccines work effectively. 
• Memory B cells: These remember past infections and offer faster responses upon reinfection. 
• Age-associated B cells: These are older, less effective cells that tend to promote inflammation and can damage vital organs. 

In healthy individuals, the immune system maintains a good balance of these cells. But as we age—or in individuals with chronic disease conditions such as HIV, cancer, or hepatitis C—this balance shifts. There are fewer naïve B cells and a growing number of age-associated B cells, increasing the risk of inflammation-related organ damage. 

A breakthrough on the horizon 

Raffi and his team have recently identified new biomarkers (biological signals that help track immune system changes) that may be driving unnecessary inflammation in older adults. These findings, though not yet published, represent a major step forward in our understanding of age-related immune decline. 

“We are looking at this cellular activity and inflammation that leads to vulnerability to early onset illness,” says Raffi. 

“Our goal is to slow or even prevent that decline.” 

By pinpointing the transitions between naïve and aged-associated B cells, the team is exploring therapeutic strategies to moderate inflammation. This could involve developing new drugs or repurposing existing medications to maintain immune balance and preserve organ function. 

A breakthrough on the horizon

Raffi and his team have recently identified new biomarkers (biological signals that help track immune system changes) that may be driving unnecessary inflammation in older adults. These findings, though not yet published, represent a major step forward in our understanding of age-related immune decline. 

“We are looking at this cellular activity and inflammation that leads to vulnerability to early onset illness,” says Raffi. 

“Our goal is to slow or even prevent that decline.” 

By pinpointing the transitions between naïve and aged-associated B cells, the team is exploring therapeutic strategies to moderate inflammation. This could involve developing new drugs or repurposing existing medications to maintain immune balance and preserve organ function.