Bats' longevity genes offer clues for human health and disease resistance

Scientists are studying bats' immune systems to uncover clues about human longevity and disease resistance, as a new study in Nature reveals that bats' ability to slow ageing and tolerate viruses is genetically linked. The research, led by Juan Manuel Vazquez at the University of California, Berkeley, examined 32 bat species, including the Brandt's bat, which can live up to 42 years. Bats have evolved unique mechanisms, such as extra copies of the PKR immune gene and enhanced cell-clearing abilities, to prevent cancer and suppress harmful inflammation. Unlike most mammals that fight viruses through resistance, bats use viral tolerance, allowing pathogens to coexist without causing illness. Researchers suggest these natural adaptations could provide a roadmap for managing cancer, ageing, and infection in humans, potentially linking immune health to longevity.