Science and Research

CARing about autoimmune disorders. Use of chimeric antigen receptor engineered T-cells in autoimmune diseases

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, initially developed for hematologic malignancies, has recently emerged as a promising modality for treating autoimmune diseases. This review explores the evolving role of CAR T cells in reprogramming immune tolerance and achieving durable remission in autoimmune disorders. By engineering T cells to target pathogenic B cells or autoreactive T cells, CAR T therapy offers a targeted and potentially curative approach for diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. Early clinical trials and preclinical models have demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of CD19-targeted CAR T cells in depleting autoreactive B cells and restoring immune homeostasis. Furthermore, next-generation CAR designs-including regulatory T cell-based CARs and antigen-specific constructs-highlight the growing precision and versatility of this platform. Despite these advances, challenges remain, including potential toxicity, antigen escape, and the need for long-term immune monitoring. This review summarizes current findings, delineates mechanistic insights, and discusses future directions for optimizing CAR T cell therapies in the context of autoimmunity.

  • Tigu, A. B.
  • Nistor, M.
  • Gulei, D.
  • Constantinescu, C. S.
  • Kegyes, D.
  • Cenariu, D.
  • Muresan, X.
  • Munteanu, R.
  • Feder, R.
  • Jitaru, C.
  • Bancos, A.
  • Santa, M.
  • Tomai, R.
  • Damian, M.
  • Ivancuta, A.
  • Rus, I.
  • Bojan, A.
  • Zdrenghea, M.
  • Buzoianu, A. D.
  • Tanase, A.
  • Einsele, H.
  • Kobold, S.
  • Tomuleasa, C.

Keywords

  • Humans
  • *Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics/immunology/metabolism
  • *Autoimmune Diseases/therapy/immunology
  • *Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods/adverse effects
  • Animals
  • *T-Lymphocytes/immunology/metabolism
  • *Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics/immunology/metabolism
  • Disease Management
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • CAR T cells
  • Emerging therapies
Publication details
DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2025.101354
Journal: Blood Rev
Pages: 101354 
Work Type: Review
Location: CPC-M
Disease Area: PALI
Partner / Member: HMGU, KUM
Access-Number: 41318274
See publication on PubMed


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