Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jan 5: Researchers have discovered a novel way to help ageing intestines repair themselves using CAR T-cell therapy, a breakthrough that could one day improve gut health in older adults and cancer patients.

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) found that by targeting senescent cells — ageing cells that accumulate over time and refuse to die — the therapy significantly boosted intestinal regeneration in mice. The treatment reduced inflammation, improved nutrient absorption and even protected the gut from radiation-induced damage, with benefits lasting up to a year.

The intestinal epithelium, a thin single-cell layer lining the gut, plays a crucial role in digestion and overall health. Under normal conditions, this lining renews itself every three to five days. However, ageing or exposure to cancer radiation can disrupt this renewal process, leading to inflammation and conditions such as leaky gut syndrome.

Building on earlier research into cellular senescence, CSHL Assistant Professor Corina Amor Vegas and her team used engineered immune cells known as anti-uPAR CAR T cells, which are designed to selectively eliminate senescent cells. These cells had previously shown success in improving metabolism in ageing mice.

To test their impact on gut health, Amor Vegas collaborated with Assistant Professor Semir Beyaz and graduate student Onur Eskiocak. CAR T cells were delivered directly into the intestines of both young and old mice. The results were striking, with treated mice showing faster healing of the intestinal lining, reduced inflammation and improved nutrient absorption.

The therapy also proved effective against radiation-induced gut damage, a common problem among cancer patients undergoing pelvic or abdominal radiation. Mice that received CAR T-cell treatment recovered far better than untreated mice, and a single dose supported healthier gut function for at least one year.

Importantly, early experiments on human intestinal and colorectal cells also indicated enhanced regeneration, suggesting strong potential for future clinical applications. While the exact biological mechanisms are still under investigation, researchers believe the findings open a promising path toward therapies aimed at restoring intestinal health in the elderly.

“This is one good step toward a long journey in understanding how we can better heal the elderly,” Beyaz said, highlighting the broader implications of the research.