Work

The vicious cycle of SASP and inflammaging promotes aging and age-related diseases

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Senescent cells accumulate in aging tissues and secrete a complex array of bioactive factors that alter the surrounding environment. While transient signaling can support tissue repair, persistent activity drives chronic low-grade inflammation and contributes to age-related diseases. These factors can spread damage to nearby cells and disrupt immune balance, creating a self-reinforcing cycle. We integrate these features into a three‑dimensional framework of duality, vicious cycle, and tissue specificity to guide context‑matched therapy. This review discusses how senescent cells influence tissue function during aging, the mechanisms underlying their harmful effects, and emerging strategies to limit these effects. A review presents a three-dimensional framework integrating the duality, vicious cycle, and tissue specificity of SASP and inflammaging, providing new insights into aging mechanisms and senescence-targeted therapies.

Source: Communications Biology

DOI: 10.1038/s42003-026-10826-4

Authors: Qian Liu, Yulin Zheng, Chongkui Sun

Institutions: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Telomeres, Telomerase, and Senescence

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,190