A consortium of longevity and immunology experts surveys recent advances in immunotherapies that selectively eliminate senescent cells. They detail CAR T strategies against uPAR and NKG2D ligands, senolytic vaccines targeting GPNMB or CD153, and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade, highlighting mechanisms and preclinical rejuvenation benefits.
Key points
- uPAR-directed CAR T cells safely eliminate uPAR+ senescent cells, reversing fibrosis and improving metabolism in mice.
- NKG2D-CAR T constructs recognize NKG2D ligands on stress-induced senescent cells, demonstrating efficacy in aged mice and nonhuman primates without off-target toxicity.
- PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade reduces PD-L1+ senescent cell accumulation and alleviates multiple age-related phenotypes via CD8+ T cell activation.
Why it matters: Immunotherapeutic senolytics promise targeted clearance of aging cells, offering safer, more durable rejuvenation therapies compared to conventional drugs.
Q&A
- What are senescent cells?
- How do senolytic CAR T cells work?
- What is a senolytic vaccine?
- Why target PD-L1 in aging?