Two preclinical advances illustrated novel cell‑based strategies against neurodegeneration. Researchers engineered astrocytes to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that target and clear amyloid‑β in Alzheimer’s mouse models, reporting reduced plaque burden and cognitive benefit in Science. Separately, Washington University investigators described a cellular immunotherapy that enhances phagocytic brain cells to remove dementia‑linked proteins and improve synaptic function. Both teams emphasized translational potential and the need for safety testing, delivery optimization, and human‑relevant efficacy studies. These studies expand the therapeutic toolbox beyond antibody and small‑molecule approaches into engineered cell modalities for CNS proteinopathies.