CAR T-cell therapy gut aging anti-uPAR CAR T cells intestinal regeneration senescent cells removal gut repair aging gut healing immunotherapy

 

### Revolutionary CAR T-Cell Therapy Rejuvenates Aging Guts for a Year-Long Boost

**Cold Spring Harbor, New York, January 2026 — In a lab where cells whisper secrets of longevity, researchers have harnessed cancer-fighting tech to mend the wear and tear of time on our intestines.**

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have pioneered a groundbreaking use of CAR T-cell therapy, originally designed to combat cancer, to target and eliminate senescent cells in the gut. These "zombie" cells, which accumulate with age, hinder the intestine's natural repair processes by releasing inflammatory signals that disrupt tissue regeneration.

In experiments with aging mice, a single dose of this modified CAR T-cell treatment cleared out these problematic cells, allowing the gut lining to renew itself more efficiently. The result? Faster healing from injuries and improved overall gut function that persisted for at least a full year.

#### Shielding Against Radiation Assault

The therapy didn't stop at everyday wear. When tested against radiation damage—common in cancer treatments—the CAR T-cells provided robust protection. Treated mice showed enhanced barrier integrity in their intestines, reducing vulnerability to leaks and infections that often plague older adults or patients undergoing therapy.

Early human cell studies hint at broader applications, potentially aiding elderly individuals with chronic gut issues or cancer survivors dealing with long-term intestinal side effects.

#### From Cancer Killer to Gut Guardian

CAR T-cells, engineered to seek and destroy specific targets, were reprogrammed here to hunt uPAR, a protein abundant on senescent cells. This precision strike not only cleared the debris but supercharged stem cells in the gut, promoting rapid and sustained regeneration.

Under healthy conditions, the intestinal epithelium renews every few days, but aging slows this to a crawl. The therapy restores youthful vigor, offering a new frontier in anti-aging medicine.

**Editor’s Reflection** — As we unravel the ties between immunity and aging, this discovery feels like a bridge between battling cancer and conquering time itself. If it translates to humans, it could redefine "gut health" from trendy diets to targeted therapies, giving us all a fighting chance against the inevitable toll of years.