Intractable Rare Dis Res. 2026;15(2):144-155. (DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2025.01057)

Beyond malignancies: Clinical advancements of CAR T-cell in the treatment of autoimmune diseases

Fang X, Wei R, Zhu W, Hu Y, Liang H


SUMMARY

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy targeting B cells has emerged as a breakthrough treatment for hematological malignancies and shows promising potential in autoimmune diseases. While selective targeting of B-cell activation and autoantibody production represents an innovative therapeutic approach in autoimmune conditions, clinical responses remain suboptimal in many patients due to incomplete B-cell depletion in tissues and limitations in identifying ideal target antigens. Over the past four years, autologous or allogeneic CAR T-cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in autoimmune diseases, achieving rapid and sustained B-cell depletion alongside complete clinical and serological remission. This review examines the current landscape of B cell-targeting CAR T-cell therapy, its therapeutic applications in autoimmune disorders, ongoing translational research, and future developments.


KEYWORDS: CAR T-cell therapy, autoimmune disease, immunotherapy

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