Study: Immune protein C3 linked to slower ageing

April 22, 2026 / 7:13 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Researchers suggest that slowing ageing may be more closely linked to regulating an immune protein called Complement component 3 (C3) rather than dietary restriction alone, as previously believed.

Findings from Yale University study

A study conducted by Yale University and published in Nature Aging found that a moderate calorie reduction of around 14% can improve immune system efficiency without the negative effects associated with strict dieting.

Role of C3 in inflammation and ageing

The research highlighted that C3 plays a key role in driving chronic inflammation, a major factor in ageing and disease progression. It also revealed that the protein is produced not only by the liver but also by fat cells, particularly in abdominal fat.

Calorie reduction impacts fat function

According to the study, reducing calorie intake can alter fat tissue activity, lowering the production of C3 even without significant weight loss. This suggests that improved health may not depend solely on reducing body weight.

Rethinking ageing and immunity

The findings support a scientific theory that immune mechanisms beneficial in early life may contribute to age-related decline later on, as biological processes shift over time.