Innovative cell therapies for systemic sclerosis: available evidence and new perspectives

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Cellular Therapy

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe rheumatic disease with high mortality and significant quality of life impairment.
• Current treatments for SSc are often insufficient, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on cellular therapies for SSc.
• To discuss potential mechanisms of action and future directions for cell-based treatments in SSc.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of literature was conducted using Medline/PubMed.
• Keywords included 'Cellular therapies,' 'Mesenchymal stromal cells,' 'Chimeric Antigen Receptor,' and 'systemic sclerosis.'
• Key articles identified by the authors were also incorporated.

Main Results:

• Phase I trials indicate the safety of allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cell infusions in SSc patients.
• Case reports suggest potential efficacy of CD19-targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cells in active SSc refractory to immunosuppression.

Conclusions:

• Cellular therapies offer a potential avenue for long-term remission or cure in SSc patients.
• Further insights into the efficacy and toxicity of these therapies will emerge from ongoing phase I/II trials.