Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a potential method for rejuvenating aging intestines and repairing long-term intestinal damage using CAR T-cell therapy. The study, published January 3, 2026, details how the therapy targets senescent cells, which accumulate in the gut over time, hindering its ability to function properly.

The treatment, tested on mice, resulted in improved gut regeneration, reduced inflammation, and enhanced nutrient absorption, according to the research team. Furthermore, the therapy offered protection against radiation damage to the intestine, with the beneficial effects lasting for up to a year in the animal models.

"As we age, the intestinal epithelium, a critical barrier for nutrient absorption, often becomes damaged, leading to digestive issues and reduced quality of life," explained Dr. Amor Vegas, a lead researcher at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. "Our work suggests that by selectively eliminating these senescent cells, we can promote intestinal healing and restore gut function."

CAR T-cell therapy, primarily known for its use in cancer treatment, involves modifying a patient's own T-cells to target and destroy specific cells. In this case, the researchers engineered T-cells to target cells expressing uPAR, a surface marker found on senescent cells in the aged intestine.

The accumulation of senescent cells in tissues is a hallmark of aging. These cells, while no longer actively dividing, release inflammatory molecules that can damage surrounding tissues and impair organ function. In the gut, this can manifest as difficulty tolerating certain foods, malabsorption of nutrients, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Early results from tests on human intestinal cells are promising, suggesting the approach could eventually be translated to improve gut health in older adults and cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. The researchers observed a lack or absence of the tumor suppressor p21 in epithelial cells from aged human intestines, further supporting the role of senescence in intestinal aging.

"While these findings are preliminary, they offer a potential new avenue for addressing age-related gut dysfunction," said Dr. Beyaz, another researcher involved in the study. "Further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of this approach in humans, but the initial results are encouraging."

The team plans to conduct further studies to optimize the therapy and assess its long-term effects. They also aim to explore its potential application in other age-related conditions and in patients undergoing cancer treatment that affects the gut. The research highlights the potential of CAR T-cell therapy beyond cancer treatment and its possible role in regenerative medicine.