Jillian 

Senescent cells, or “zombie cells,” are normal cells that change their internal structure as a response to stress by abnormal shortening of telomeres during cellular division and tightening of the chromatin structure. These factors cause senescent cells to move into a state of stable arrest while resisting cell death and secreting cell signaling molecules. These signaling molecules can both promote mediated clearance of damaged cells or, if relentless, drive tumor progression and chronic inflammation. Thus, to eradicate relentless senescence cells, my lab works to develop senolytic CAR T-cells, which are genetically modified immune cells. Firstly, my lab extracted T-cells from a mouse model. To promote their growth, my lab introduced C28 and CD3z beads. A retroviral vector was used to deliver the CAR gene into the genome. The cells are then reintroduced into the mice and begin replicating inside their bodies. Using Flow Cytometry, the population of senescent cells in the mice was quantified. Thus, with this methodology, researchers found that CAR T-cells could eradicate tumor cells by latching on to the uPAR receptor of nearby senescent cell populations. These modified CAR T-cells limited the production of the signaling molecules that drive cancer persistence. The T-cells were able to attack the cellular system, limiting tumor progression in the mouse model. In summary, my lab's work has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by introducing a less toxic and more effective solution.