Dawn of CAR-T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases

Chin Med J (Engl). 2024 May 20;137(10):1140-1150. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000003111. Epub 2024 Apr 12.

Abstract

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has achieved remarkable success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Based on the immunomodulatory capability of CAR-T cells, efforts have turned toward exploring their potential in treating autoimmune diseases. Bibliometric analysis of 210 records from 128 academic journals published by 372 institutions in 40 countries/regions indicates a growing number of publications on CAR-T therapy for autoimmune diseases, covering a range of subtypes such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, among others. CAR-T therapy holds promise in mitigating several shortcomings, including the indiscriminate suppression of the immune system by traditional immunosuppressants, and non-sustaining therapeutic levels of monoclonal antibodies due to inherent pharmacokinetic constraints. By persisting and proliferating in vivo , CAR-T cells can offer a tailored and precise therapeutics. This paper reviewed preclinical experiments and clinical trials involving CAR-T and CAR-related therapies in various autoimmune diseases, incorporating innovations well-studied in the field of hematological tumors, aiming to explore a safe and effective therapeutic option for relapsed/refractory autoimmune diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases* / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / methods
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / therapy
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen* / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology