CAR T Cell Therapy Shows Promise For Autoimmune Diseases

Researchers in Germany have demonstrated that CAR T cell therapy can target rogue immune cells driving autoimmune diseases. The treatment involves genetically engineering a patient's T cells in a laboratory to attack specific targets before re-infusing them. In one case, a woman whose immune system had been destroying her red blood cells for a decade saw the rogue cells eliminated after infusion. The therapy appears to leave protective immune memory against childhood infections and vaccinations intact. Clinical results are emerging for lupus, multiple sclerosis, severe colitis, and asthma, though researchers note longer follow-up is required. The treatment is currently noted as being very expensive.