Scientists find immune 'false alarm' that may drive rapid aging

Hebrew University researchers found that the cGAS sensor reacts to the body's own damaged DNA as if it were a virus, causing chronic inflammation and tissue degeneration in premature aging syndromes. Reducing cGAS activity improved tissue condition, reduced neuroinflammation, and restored reproductive function in a fast-aging model.

• cGAS sensor mistakes own DNA fragments for viral and triggers inflammation
• cGAS also enters nucleus and directly disrupts DNA repair
• Suppressing cGAS improved tissues, neuroinflammation, and reproduction
• Completely disabling cGAS would weaken antiviral immunity