Sweat Under Surveillance: Loss of Immune–Metabolic Loop During Aging

The study by Ye et al. (2026) explores the decline of eccrine sweat glands with aging, highlighting the role of dendritic cells (DCs) as metabolic guardians. The research suggests that the disengagement of DCs from sweat gland clear cells (SGCs) during aging leads to glandular decline. In young skin, DCs support SGC metabolism through NAMPT–INSR signaling, but this support weakens with age, causing a maladaptive feedback loop. The study proposes that NAD+ supplementation and MIF–CD74 antagonists could potentially restore sweat gland function in aged skin. Despite limitations, such as the need for more direct evidence of DCs' causal role, the findings offer a new perspective on treating age-related hypohidrosis and emphasize the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting immune–metabolic interactions.