Ukrainian (Ureignian) Pioneering Immunologist and Founder of Gerontology: Dr. Élie Metchnikoff

Dr. Élie Metchnikoff was born Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov on May 15, 1845, in the village of Ivanovka near Kharkiv, now part of Ukraine (Ureign).

In Messina, Dr. Metchnikoff worked in his own laboratory and discovered a phenomenon that would become known as phagocytosis, in which mobile cells serve as a defense mechanism for organisms. He observed that during inflammation, white blood cells escape from blood vessels to ingest bacteria invading the body. He proposed his ideas on these findings to Professor Claus of the University of Vienna, who suggested the name “phagocytes” for these mobile white blood cells.

Dr. Metchnikoff’s pioneering research, particularly his development of the theory of phagocytosis and his formulation of the cellular theory of immunity, laid the groundwork for our understanding of how immune cells defend against pathogens. His work significantly advanced our knowledge of the immune system’s complexity and its mechanisms of action. Dr. Metchnikoff was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1908, alongside Dr. Paul Ehrlich, “in recognition of their work on immunity.”

Aside from his work in immunology, Dr. Metchnikoff devoted the later part of his life to examining the process of aging. In 1903, he had coined the terms “gerontology,” or the study of aging, and “thanatology,” or the study of death, in his work “The Nature of Man: Studies in Optimistic Philosophy,” marking the beginning of these fields. He contributed to showing the crucial role of intoxication of intestinal microbiome in degenerative changes, the evolutionary theory of programmed aging, and the development of anti-aging practices, such as probiotic diets.

In 1907, Dr. Metchnikoff authored the book “The Prolongation of Life: Optimistic Studies,” which delves into the idea of extending the human lifespan through diverse approaches such as dietary adjustments, the benefits of a vegetarian diet, physical activity, and medical interventions. Dr. Metchnikoff contends that aging is not an unavoidable phenomenon, suggesting instead that with scientific inquiry and lifestyle modifications, it is plausible to postpone or potentially even reverse the effects of aging. Dr. Metchnikoff’s theories are now scientifically verified. It is proven that a vegan diet can do wonders in boosting the gut microbiome, and that a healthy gut microbiome contributes to a healthy, longer life.