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Turning drivers into regulators: In vivo CAR reprogramming of Tfh cells
Urmi Hofland1, Maria Montes De Oca Arena1, Laurence Morel1
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
Cell Stem Cell
|April 3, 2026
Summary
Researchers reprogrammed follicular helper T (Tfh) cells into antigen-specific CAR-Tfh cells. This novel approach restores immune tolerance, offering a potential new treatment for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Cell Therapy
Background:
- Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a severe liver disease characterized by immune system attacks on liver cells.
- Current treatments for AIH rely on broad immunosuppression, which can have significant side effects.
- There is a need for targeted therapies that restore immune tolerance rather than broadly suppressing the immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel cell-based therapy for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).
- To investigate the potential of reprogramming follicular helper T (Tfh) cells into antigen-specific regulatory T cells.
- To restore immune tolerance and address the root causes of autoimmunity in AIH.
Main Methods:
- In vivo reprogramming of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells was performed.
- Antigen-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology was utilized.
- The engineered cells were designated as FOXP3+ CAR-Tfh cells.
Main Results:
- The reprogramming successfully generated antigen-specific FOXP3+ CAR-Tfh cells.
- These engineered cells demonstrated the potential to restore immune tolerance.
- The study provides a proof-of-concept for rewiring autoimmune drivers.
Conclusions:
- Reprogramming Tfh cells offers a promising new strategy for treating autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).
- Antigen-specific CAR-Tfh cell therapy represents a targeted approach to restoring immune balance.
- This innovative method could lead to more effective and less toxic treatments for AIH and potentially other autoimmune diseases.
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