Trying 2 Learn

Episode 18- Dr. Jessica Lancaster | Immunity & Aging, the Fibroblast T-cell Frontier

Kyle Valgardson Season 1 Episode 18

Send us a text

We often think of T cells as the body’s defenders—but what happens when they can’t move where they’re needed?

In this episode, immunologist Dr. Jessica Lancaster breaks down the overlooked role of fibroblasts—the structural cells that help (or hinder) T cell movement—and how this relationship impacts aging, immune function, and disease outcomes.

We explore:

  • Why aging immune cells don’t just slow down—they get stuck
  • The role of tissue environments in T cell surveillance and mobility
  • How manipulating fibroblast–T cell interactions could unlock better therapies for cancer, infection, and age-related decline

This conversation zooms in on one of the most dynamic frontiers in immunology—and makes it accessible, without watering it down.

People on this episode