Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a method to rejuvenate aging intestines and heal long-term intestinal damage using CAR T-cell therapy, according to a study published Jan. 3, 2026. The therapy targets senescent cells, which accumulate in the gut over time, hindering its ability to regenerate and absorb nutrients.

The study, conducted on mice, showed that the CAR T-cell treatment boosted gut regeneration, reduced inflammation, and improved nutrient absorption. The treatment also protected the intestine from radiation damage, with benefits lasting up to a year. Early results using human intestinal cells suggest the approach could eventually improve gut health in older adults and cancer patients.

"As we age, the intestinal epithelium, which is responsible for absorbing nutrients, becomes damaged," explained Dr. Amor Vegas, lead author of the study. "This damage can lead to inflammation and difficulty tolerating certain foods."

CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that involves modifying a patient's own T cells to target and destroy specific cells in the body. In this case, the researchers engineered T cells to target senescent cells in the gut. Senescent cells are cells that have stopped dividing and can release harmful substances that contribute to inflammation and tissue damage.

The researchers identified uPAR, a surface marker of senescence, in epithelial cells from aged human intestines. These cells also lacked the tumor suppressor p21. By targeting these senescent cells, the CAR T-cell therapy promoted the regeneration of healthy intestinal tissue.

"We were surprised to see how effectively this therapy could rejuvenate the aging gut," said Dr. Beyaz, a senior researcher at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. "The improvements in gut function were significant, and the protective effects against radiation damage were particularly encouraging."

The implications of this research are significant for older adults who often experience age-related decline in gut health. It also holds promise for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, which can cause severe intestinal damage.

"Radiation therapy can have devastating effects on the gut," said Dr. Vegas. "This therapy could potentially mitigate those effects and improve the quality of life for cancer patients."

The researchers are currently conducting further studies to optimize the CAR T-cell therapy and assess its safety and efficacy in humans. They hope to begin clinical trials within the next few years.

"While these are early results, we are optimistic that this approach could one day be used to improve gut health and overall well-being in older adults and cancer patients," concluded Dr. Beyaz.