PPARD activation strengthens CAR T cells in preclinical tumor models
Published in Diseases!, Immunology, Journals.
Published October 17, 2026.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers report that activating PPARδ, also called PPARD, in immune cells can strengthen their ability to attack tumors in experimental models. The work was published in Nature Immunology on October 14.
PPARD regulates cellular metabolism, including fat use. Its effects depend on which cells activate it: the same regulator can support cancer-cell fitness or help immune cells compete within a tumor.
The researchers tested PPARD-activated CAR T cells against colorectal cancer organoids grown from patient samples, cultured human cancer cells and human tumors implanted in mice. They reported reduced or halted tumor growth in these experimental settings, with supporting findings in additional tumor types.
Why it matters: Improving immune-cell metabolism could provide a route toward stronger cell therapies for solid tumors, where CAR T approaches remain challenging.
Limits: These results are preclinical and do not establish benefit or safety in patients. Because PPARD can also support cancer cells, the findings concern activation in the appropriate immune-cell compartment, not indiscriminate activation throughout the body.
Sources: CSHL, October 14, 2026; Nature Immunology research paper.