Revolutionary CAR T-cell therapy: hope for autoimmune patients!

Revolutionary CAR T-cell therapy: hope for autoimmune patients!

CAR T-cell therapy, known for its success in certain types of cancer, is increasingly being used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Researchers at the Hannover Medical School (MHH) are working on innovative approaches to modulate the body's own immune processes. Professor Dr. Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski leads these efforts, particularly with a focus on regulatory T cells (Treg), which aim to suppress overactive immune responses and prevent autoimmunity. These CAR-Tregs were developed and patented for diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes, but so far research has only shown effects in animal models and cell cultures. A CAR-Treg construct has already made the step into a human clinical trial, which represents an important further development. MHH reports.

The relevance of autoimmune diseases should not be underestimated, as around 5-10% of the population are affected. These diseases usually cause the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy cells, which can have serious health consequences. The case of Tobias Knoll, a Catholic priest who developed anti-synthetase syndrome three years ago, illustrates the challenges patients face. Despite various treatments, he was no longer able to work, and the success of CAR T-cell therapy seemed to be his last hope. Two years ago, Knoll received CAR T-cell therapy that was originally developed for cancer treatment. This therapy shows promising results as it could normalize the immune system by specifically attacking misdirected B cells. Tübingen reports.

Clinical successes and challenges

CAR T-cell therapy is manufactured in specialized laboratories, improving its frequent availability. However, the process is time-consuming and takes about two weeks, with infections and nervous system disorders considered risks. In Knoll's case, the treatments resulted in significant improvements, as evidenced by laboratory tests and MRI images. Similar positive feedback comes from other cases, such as Fabienne Schröder, who suffers from myasthenia and saw remarkable progress in her muscle strength after her CAR-T treatment. Despite initial complications, she regained a quality of life close to that of a healthy person, which Dr. Ralf Gold, Director of the Department of Neurology at the Catholic Hospital Bochum, is a unique success in his many years of professional experience. Tagesschau reports.

However, enthusiasm about CAR T-cell therapy is dampened by high costs of around 200,000 euros per treatment and ethical questions, especially when compared to cancer patients. As global trials of CAR T-cell therapy for autoimmune diseases continue, rigorous, large-scale research is needed to confirm the promise of the therapy and offer hope to potential patients. The interest in the use and effect of this therapy in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer will also be further investigated in future clinical studies, which are scheduled to start in 2025. Tagesschau reports.