Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Autoimmune Treatment Turns to Immune Reprogramming as Early Trials Deliver Remissions

Small studies reporting CAR‑T remissions have triggered a rapid expansion of trials despite unresolved safety, durability and cost.

Dr. Maximilian Konig, a rheumatologist at Johns Hopkins University, sits for a portrait in the lab where he's studying some possible new treatments for autoimmune diseases, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Baltimore, Md. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Research fellow Sachin Surwase shows an image of a pancreatic lymph node from a mouse in the lab where he studies autoimmune diseases at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Human stem cells used in research into autoimmune diseases are visible under a microscope in a lab at the National Institutes of Health, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Bethesda, Md. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Staff scientist Carmelo Carmona-Rivera poses for a portrait while working with antibodies used in autoimmunity research inside a cold room in the lab where he works at the National Institutes of Health, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Bethesda, Md. "For me, I love helping people. In this lab, whatever I do can be translated to the patients. I really want to make a difference in how those patients are suffering. The key ingredient is passion. As long as you have passion, you will be able to persist to achieve your goal. In this lab we are applying so many groundbreaking techniques. I feel proud to be part of this." (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Overview

  • CAR‑T therapy adapted from cancer has produced drug‑free remissions in severe lupus and other conditions, with a German team reporting few relapses after treating a few dozen patients.
  • A 10‑patient study of the T cell engager teclistamab showed significant improvement in nine cases and drug‑free remission in six across Sjögren’s, myositis and systemic sclerosis.
  • Researchers are testing engineered regulatory T cells to calm autoimmune reactions and are exploring off‑the‑shelf CAR‑T options to reduce complexity and expense.
  • Johns Hopkins teams are designing ultra‑precise T cell engagers to eliminate only harmful B cells and are developing mRNA‑loaded nanoparticles to restore immune tolerance.
  • The NIH tallies about 140 autoimmune diseases affecting tens of millions, with women comprising roughly four of five patients and many experiencing delayed diagnosis and lifelong treatment.