Breakthrough in Lupus Treatment: CAR T-Cell Therapy Shows Promising Results

1. CAR T-cell therapy: Originally developed for cancer treatment, CAR T-cell therapy involves modifying T cells to produce chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that target specific cells, such as cancer cells or autoimmune cells.
2. Lupus treatment: Researchers are now exploring CAR T-cell therapy as a potential treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissue.
3. Clinical trials: Studies have shown promising results, with CAR T-cell therapy reducing symptoms and disease biomarkers in patients with SLE. One study found that all lupus patients achieved remission without relapses for up to two years after treatment.
4. Mechanism: CAR T cells target and deplete B cells, which are key to driving autoimmunity in lupus. This leads to a reduction in inflammation and damage to organs.
5. Safety and efficacy: The therapy has been found to be well-tolerated, with mild side effects such as cytokine release syndrome. It has also shown efficacy in treating other autoimmune diseases like idiopathic inflammatory myositis and systemic sclerosis.
6. Ongoing research: Clinical trials are ongoing, including a study at UC Davis Health evaluating CABA-201, an investigational CAR T-cell therapy for SLE and lupus nephritis.