uPAR CAR-T

uPAR CAR-T is an experimental chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy designed to target the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). While uPAR is widely recognized as a marker of cellular senescence (senolytic CAR-T), recent research has identified it as a shared marker for pathogenic, pro-inflammatory macrophages and fibrotic stromal cells (fibroblasts) that drive persistent vascular remodeling in conditions like chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). By specifically depleting these uPAR-expressing cell populations, the therapy aims to reduce thrombus burden, alleviate fibrosis, lower systemic inflammation, and restore cardiopulmonary function. Preclinical studies conducted by investigators at Northwestern University and Duke University have demonstrated significant reductions in thrombus weight and improvements in right ventricular function in murine models of CTEPH.

Other names

uPAR-CARuPAR-targeted CAR-TuPAR-specific CAR-T