The potential of CAR T cells in autoimmune diseases

CAR T cell therapy represents an emerging, promising approach in the field of autoimmune diseases. Unlike monoclonal antibodies, CAR T cells offer a deeper B cell depletion than monoclonal antibodies through their ability to infiltrate tissues and their independence from effector mechanisms. Early data from case reports and phase I/II studies demonstrate encouraging clinical responses in patients with severely refractory autoimmune disorders. CD19, BCMA and dual-targeting CAR constructs were generally well tolerated with limited safety concerns. This promising data encourages further research investigating CAR T cell therapy in a broader range of autoimmune indications and to advance CAR T constructs to improve efficacy, safety, and clinical application. In this review, we explore the rationale of using CAR T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases, summarize relevant clinical data, and highlight future perspectives within the field.