Researchers at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology have discovered a previously unknown connection between aging of the spleen, impaired immune-cell function and iron metabolism.
The findings may eventually contribute to the development of new approaches aimed at supporting immune function in older adults. However, the research is still at the preclinical stage and does not justify taking iron supplements without medical supervision.
The study was conducted by a team led by Dr. Noga Ron-Harel of the Technion Faculty of Biology. Her laboratory investigates the metabolic processes that affect T lymphocytes—immune cells that recognize infections, destroy infected and malignant cells and help regulate the immune response.
The findings were published in the scientific journal Nature Aging under the title “Heme and iron toxicity in the aged spleen impairs T-cell immunity through iron deprivation”.
How Aging of the Spleen Affects Immune Cells
The spleen plays an important role in immune defense, blood filtration and the removal of aging red blood cells. The Technion researchers found that, as the spleen ages, it develops an environment that negatively affects T-cell function.
T cells taken from the spleens of older laboratory mice showed more signs of aging, cellular stress and dysfunction than T cells obtained from the lymph nodes of the same animals.
The researchers also transferred young, healthy T cells into an aged spleen. After exposure to its environment, these cells rapidly developed characteristics associated with aging and lost much of their ability to proliferate.
This suggested that the surrounding tissue environment—not only the biological age of the immune cells themselves—plays an important role in immune-system aging.
The Complex Role of Iron
The relationship between iron and immune aging proved to be more complex than a simple iron deficiency.
With age, the spleen develops an environment containing increased amounts of heme and iron, partly associated with the breakdown of red blood cells. This contributes to oxidative stress and increases the risk of ferroptosis—a form of cell death driven by iron and reactive oxygen species.
To protect themselves from this potentially toxic environment, T cells reduce their uptake of iron and lower their available intracellular iron levels.
This adaptation helps the cells limit iron-related damage, but it comes at a cost: iron is also required for normal cellular metabolism and proliferation. By restricting iron intake, T cells become less capable of multiplying and mounting an effective immune response.
In laboratory experiments involving aged mice, carefully controlled iron supplementation during T-cell activation restored some of the cells’ ability to proliferate.
The results indicate that the age-related decline in T-cell function may be at least partially reversible under experimental conditions.
Why Are T Cells Important?
T lymphocytes are essential components of the adaptive immune system. They perform several critical functions:
- recognizing viruses and other infectious agents;
- destroying infected cells;
- identifying and attacking certain malignant cells;
- coordinating the activity of other immune cells;
- forming immune memory after infections and vaccination;
- regulating the intensity and duration of immune responses.
As people age, T-cell function gradually declines. This process, known as immunosenescence, may contribute to increased vulnerability to infections, a weaker response to some vaccines, chronic inflammation and reduced immune surveillance against cancer.
Understanding the metabolic mechanisms behind this decline may help researchers develop more targeted ways to support immune health in older people.
Could Iron Slow Immune-System Aging?
The study opens a promising scientific direction, but it does not show that taking iron supplements can slow immune aging in humans.
The experiments were performed in laboratory mice, and iron was administered under carefully controlled research conditions. Researchers must conduct further studies to determine whether the mechanism works in humans and whether it can be used safely as part of a therapeutic strategy.
Future research will need to establish:
- whether similar changes occur in the human spleen;
- which patients, if any, could benefit from intervention;
- what form and dose of iron would be appropriate;
- when treatment should be administered;
- whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks;
- how to avoid iron overload and oxidative damage.
The goal may ultimately be the development of a targeted treatment that temporarily modifies iron availability in particular immune cells—not routine or uncontrolled iron supplementation.
Iron Supplements Should Not Be Taken Without Medical Advice
Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, cellular metabolism and many other biological processes. However, both iron deficiency and iron overload can be harmful.
Excess iron may accumulate in organs and contribute to:
- liver damage;
- heart complications;
- hormonal and metabolic disorders;
- oxidative stress;
- gastrointestinal side effects;
- worsening of certain infections or chronic conditions.
Before taking iron supplements, a patient should undergo appropriate blood tests and consult a physician. Evaluation may include a complete blood count, ferritin, serum iron, transferrin saturation and other tests selected according to the individual medical situation.
The results of this study should not be interpreted as a recommendation for older adults to begin taking iron independently.
The Research Remains Preclinical
Although the findings are scientifically significant, the proposed approach remains experimental.
Its effectiveness and safety have not yet been demonstrated in people, and no treatment protocol based on this discovery has been approved for preventing or reversing immune-system aging.
Clinical application will require additional research, validation in human tissues and carefully designed clinical trials.
The findings nevertheless provide important new insight into the interaction between aging tissues, immune cells and metabolism. They may eventually lead to more precise interventions designed to preserve immune function later in life.
International Recognition for the Research
Dr. Noga Ron-Harel’s work has received international recognition in the fields of immunology, metabolism and immune aging.
In August 2026, she received the Daniel Shiran Prize for Biomedical Research for her work on the role of the tissue microenvironment in T-cell aging. The Technion noted that her research has helped reveal how the aging spleen creates conditions that impair T-cell function and accelerate immune aging.
Consultation with Leading Israeli Specialists
Age-related changes in immune function may be associated with many different conditions, including anemia, chronic inflammation, recurrent infections, autoimmune disorders, hematological diseases and nutritional deficiencies.
Symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections or abnormal blood-test results should not automatically be attributed to age or iron deficiency. A comprehensive medical assessment is required to determine the underlying cause.
Through Sapir Medical Clinic, international patients can obtain consultations with leading Israeli specialists and arrange advanced diagnostics and treatment at major medical centers in Israel.
Depending on the patient’s condition, Sapir Medical Clinic can assist in organizing:
- consultation with an Israeli immunologist or hematologist;
- evaluation by a specialist in internal or geriatric medicine;
- a second medical opinion based on existing medical records;
- comprehensive blood and iron-metabolism testing;
- assessment of anemia or suspected iron overload;
- evaluation of recurrent or unusual infections;
- investigation of suspected immune-system disorders;
- review of an existing diagnosis or treatment program;
- development of an individualized diagnostic and treatment plan;
- remote consultation before travelling to Israel;
- coordination of further examinations and treatment in Israel.
Israeli specialists assess each patient individually, taking into account age, symptoms, medical history, medications, laboratory findings and existing chronic conditions.
Sapir Medical Clinic assists patients at every stage—from selecting an appropriate specialist and reviewing medical records to coordinating advanced diagnostics and treatment in Israel.
For a preliminary assessment, patients may submit:
- medical reports and hospital discharge summaries;
- recent complete blood count results;
- ferritin, serum iron and transferrin saturation results;
- vitamin B12 and folate test results;
- immunological or hematological findings;
- a list of current medications and supplements;
- information about chronic diseases and previous treatment.
Contact Sapir Medical Clinic
If you require a consultation with a leading Israeli immunologist, hematologist or other specialist, Sapir Medical Clinic can help arrange a second medical opinion, advanced diagnostics and an individualized treatment program in Israel.
To request a preliminary assessment, contact:
Important: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified physician. The findings described are based on preclinical research in laboratory animals. Iron supplements should only be taken when medically indicated and prescribed by a physician following appropriate testing.