CAR T Cell Therapy Shows Promise in Fighting Deadly Artery Disease

A new study suggests CAR T cell therapy could help treat atherosclerosis, the leading cause of heart disease and stroke. Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine found that this approach reduced artery inflammation in animal tests. The findings, published in Circulation, propose a potential breakthrough for high-risk patients.

Atherosclerosis causes plaque buildup in arteries, leading to ischemic heart disease and stroke. These conditions kill tens of millions of people worldwide each year. Current treatments focus on lowering LDL cholesterol and lifestyle changes, but none directly target the inflammation driving the disease.

The study, led by assistant professor Avery Posey, tested CAR T cells designed to attack oxLDL, a molecule linked to artery inflammation. In animal models, the therapy blocked inflammation and prevented over two-thirds of plaque formation. This suggests CAR T cells could address the root cause of atherosclerosis rather than just its symptoms.

So far, no human trials have tested CAR T cell therapy for atherosclerosis. Research remains limited to preclinical studies, though the method has been used in cancer and autoimmune disease treatments. The team believes this approach could one day complement existing therapies for patients at high risk of heart attacks or strokes.

The findings open a possible new path for treating atherosclerosis by targeting its inflammatory triggers. If future trials confirm these results, CAR T cell therapy could become an additional option for patients with severe heart disease. For now, the method remains experimental, with further research needed before clinical use.