Bats' longevity genes may hold clues for human health

A new study in Nature reveals that bats' longevity and viral tolerance are genetically linked, suggesting the same biological mechanisms protect them from both infections and age-related decline. This could offer insights into preventing cancer and managing human diseases. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, led by Juan Manuel Vazquez, analyzed cell cultures from 259 bats across 32 species, focusing on the Myotis genus. They found long-lived bats, like the Brandt's bat, evolved enhanced abilities to eliminate damaged cells and extra copies of the PKR immune gene to combat viruses. Unlike most mammals that resist viruses by eliminating pathogens, bats evolved high viral tolerance, suppressing harmful inflammation and cellular stress. This allows viruses to persist without causing illness, offering a potential blueprint for boosting human immunity against aging and disease.