SENHEMA-CART

Many blood cancers and rare blood disorders begin when certain blood-forming cells become damaged or stressed. Instead of continuing to divide normally, these cells enter a state called senescence which can be described as a kind of shutdown mode that should protect the body. However, if too many senescent cells begin to accumulate, they can cause harm. They release inflammatory molecules, disturb the bone marrow, reduce healthy blood production, and can even help support the growth of cancerous cells. Growing research suggests that senescent blood cells may play an important role in conditions such as clonal hematopoiesis and histiocytic disorders. Therefore, their removal may have a beneficial effect. We will develop a new type of treatment to selectively eliminate senescent hematopoietic cells that is based on CAR T cells, which are highly specialized immune cells engineered in the laboratory. By clearing away these harmful cells, we hope to reduce inflammation, restore healthier blood formation, and slow down or prevent the development of blood cancers. At the same time, our research will help us better understand the role of senescent blood cells in blood disorders. Ultimately, this project could introduce a completely new way of treating blood cancers through the removal of harmful senescent cells that help fuel disease. If successful, it may lead to safer, more effective, and more personalized treatment options for patients in the future.