Inside STAT: CAR-T cells, better known as cancer drugs, show promise against aging in lab mice

CAR-T CELLS (GREEN) ATTACKING SENESCENT CELLS (RED) IN THE LIVER OF A LAB MOUSE. (MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER)

While CAR-T cells have thus far been known for their use as a cancer therapy, a new study published Wednesday suggests these cells could also be beneficial in fighting aging. Scientists infused into mice millions of CAR-T cells that had been engineered to target a molecule on senescent cells, which have been implicated in many aging-related diseases. They found that the senescent cells were practically gone within 10 days and that the mice's symptoms improved. CAR-T still remains an expensive and time-consuming avenue for treatment, but the results show promise, experts tell STAT's Sharon Begley. STAT Plus subscribers can read more here.