Designer cells 'reboot' immune system in 3 different autoimmune diseases
In an early-stage clinical trial, scientists explored the potential of designer immune cells to "reboot" the immune systems of patients with autoimmune diseases using a form of CAR T cell therapy, traditionally used for blood cancers like leukemia. This innovative approach involved a single infusion of genetically modified T cells to eliminate rogue B cells responsible for autoimmune responses. Remarkably, within three months, patients' B cells were replenished and appeared healthy, akin to hitting a "reset button." Although the trial was small and short, initial results showed promising normalization of disease markers, and patients remained off traditional treatments for up to 11 months. If successful in larger trials, this could revolutionize autoimmune disease treatment. Notably, the trial did not encounter severe cytokine release syndrome, a common concern with CAR T therapy. However, the findings are yet to be peer-reviewed, and the long-term efficacy remains to be seen.
