CAR T-Cell Therapy Studied for Reversing Aging Effects in Mouse Intestines

Recent research has examined the use of anti-uPAR CAR T-cell therapy to address age-related changes in the intestines, focusing on experimental results in mice and early tests in human cells.

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory conducted experiments using anti-uPAR CAR T cells to target and eliminate senescent cells in the intestines of both young and old mice. The removal of these cells was associated with enhanced nutrient uptake, lower levels of inflammation, and accelerated repair of the intestinal lining.

Further testing showed that a single dose of this CAR T-cell therapy protected mice from intestinal damage caused by radiation exposure. The observed benefits of this intervention persisted for at least one year following administration.

In addition to animal studies, researchers carried out early laboratory experiments on human intestinal and colorectal cells. These tests indicated that anti-uPAR CAR T cells encouraged regenerative processes in human cell cultures.

What the numbers show

• One administration of CAR T-cell therapy in mice provided at least one year of protection against radiation-induced intestinal injury
• The study was published in Nature Aging in January 2026
• Senolytic CAR T cells have previously been shown to improve metabolism in mice

The published study also reported that eliminating senescent cells in mice led to improvements in the function of intestinal stem cells, the integrity of the epithelial barrier, and immune responses in the gut mucosa.

Senolytic CAR T cells that target the uPAR protein had previously been demonstrated to remove senescent cells and enhance metabolic functions in mouse models. The current research builds on these earlier findings by focusing on the intestines and age-associated changes.

The study, titled "Anti-uPAR CAR T cells reverse and prevent aging-associated defects in intestinal regeneration and fitness," appeared in the journal Nature Aging. The publication outlined the experimental approach and the observed outcomes in both animal and cell-based tests.

While the research primarily involved laboratory and animal models, the results provide data on the potential of CAR T-cell approaches to address aging-related intestinal decline. The findings contribute to ongoing studies in regenerative medicine and cellular therapies.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.