Recent research led by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has revealed the potential of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells in treating diseases related to aging. The study suggests that these engineered immune cells could be effective in targeting diseases caused by the accumulation of senescent cells, which are cells that stop dividing due to age or damage.

The findings, published in Nature Aging, indicate that an infusion of CAR T cells designed to target senescent cells not only improved metabolic function in older mice and mice prematurely aged by a high-fat diet but also helped prevent metabolic decline in young, healthy mice when administered as a single dose.

Scott Lowe, PhD, senior study author and Chair of the Cancer Biology and Genetics Program in MSK’s Sloan Kettering Institute, highlighted the broader possibilities of engineering immune cells to target disease beyond cancer. The study demonstrated that the experimental CAR T cells led to lower body weight, improved fasting blood glucose levels, and better glucose and insulin tolerance in mice fed a high-fat diet, despite continuing the diet. Additionally, the mice had fewer senescent cells in the pancreas, liver, and fatty tissues compared to the control group.

Similar positive results were observed in older mice, where the treatment improved metabolic function that had declined due to natural aging. The older mice that received the treatment even exhibited increased endurance during exercise, with no significant side effects observed.

Dr. Lowe emphasized the need for further research to determine if the approach could not only improve the ‘healthspan’ of the mice but also extend their lifespan. The team aims to collaborate with industry partners to move the laboratory findings into clinical trials and explore the potential of CAR T cell therapy in addressing diseases associated with aging and chronic inflammation, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).