Washington University researchers engineered astrocytes expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CAR‑As) that, when injected into mice, prevented amyloid‑β plaque formation if given before pathology onset and reduced existing plaques by approximately 50% after a single dose. The study was published in Science and led by Marco Colonna. The team designed CAR‑As to target and remove amyloid‑β, offering an alternative cellular immunotherapy approach to antibody‑based anti‑amyloid treatments that require repeated dosing. Authors emphasized the need to further optimize dosing, delivery and safety before considering clinical translation, including evaluation of neuroinflammation and off‑target effects. The results provide preclinical proof‑of‑concept for engineered non‑immune brain cells as a therapeutic modality for neurodegenerative diseases and may prompt new development pathways distinct from antibody or small‑molecule strategies.