Antioxidant protects T cell telomeres from tumor-induced exhaustion

New research shows a targeted antioxidant can protect T cells from tumor-induced exhaustion in mice, improving their cancer-fighting ability. The study found that toxic tumor environments damage T cell telomeres, leading to dysfunction. Preventing this damage with an antioxidant rescued T cell function and reduced tumor size. This approach could enhance existing cancer immunotherapies like CAR-T therapy, with researchers aiming to develop it for human trials.