Scientists have discovered why an important organ retires at the same time as us – by stopping the production of cells that are essential for good health.

The thymus produces T cells that help the body fight infections and diseases. However, after the age of 65, it practically stops working, which means our immune system becomes significantly weaker.

As we age, the thymus gland – located behind the breastbone – shrinks and the T-cell-producing areas are replaced by fatty tissue, while “scarring” prevents regeneration.

Cancer treatment also damages the thymus gland, which makes recovery from infection much slower in young people with the disease.

Scientists have discovered that the thymus gland, an organ behind the breastbone, goes into retirement at the same time as we do – stopping the production of cells that are vital for good health.

The thymus gland produces T cells (pictured fighting a cancer cell) that help the body fight infections and disease.

The team behind the groundbreaking research believes their findings could be important for the development of immune-boosting therapies for people over 60 and cancer patients.

Co-author Dr. Kelin Zhao from the WEHI Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia, said: “With this knowledge, we can investigate whether these cells can be used therapeutically in the future to turn back the clock of the aging thymus and increase T cell function in people as they age. This is the goal our team is working towards.”

Professor Daniel Gray, laboratory director at WEHI, said: “Adults with weakened immune systems take years to restore their T cells – sometimes this never happens – putting them at higher risk of acquiring potentially life-threatening infections for the rest of their lives.”

“Exploring ways to restore thymus function is critical to developing new therapies that can improve outcomes for these vulnerable patients and provide a way to ensure the production of healthy levels of T cells throughout our lives.”

Dr. Gray added: “Our discovery offers a new approach to thymus regeneration and immune restoration and may, in the future, provide a way to boost immune function in at-risk patients.”