Activating PPARD in CAR T Cells Slowed Tumor Growth

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory activated the fat-metabolism protein PPARD in engineered CAR T cells. In organoids, cell cultures and mice, this slowed or stopped colorectal tumor growth, with similar results in breast, ovarian and melanoma tumors. The study appeared in Nature Immunology.

• PPARD activation in CAR T cells curbed tumor growth in three experiment types
• Effect confirmed in colorectal, breast, ovarian cancer and melanoma
• PPARD normally promotes cancer but acts against it in immune cells
• Approach remains experimental; lab is now testing it for endometriosis