Heat shock response

The heat shock response is a conserved cellular program. It is triggered by high temperature and other 'proteotoxic' stresses (things that damage proteins). A master switch, heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), turns on genes for heat shock proteins (HSPs), like HSP70 and HSP90. Those HSPs act as 'chaperones', refolding or clearing out damaged proteins. This pathway supports proteostasis (protein quality control). And it is thought to drive some of the hormetic benefits you get from sauna and exercise. But direct human longevity evidence is still preliminary.

Last reviewed: June 22, 2026

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