In a new study, researchers examined the efficacy and impact of CD19 CAR T cell therapy on B cells, specifically exploring its ability to deplete B cells in deep tissues and understand the therapeutic potential for people with autoimmune diseases, like lupus. CAR T cells are genetically-altered cells that are designed to reset the immune system by targeting B cells, which are involved in the production of autoantibodies and lupus disease activity.
Researchers analyzed lymph node biopsies from five people with autoimmune diseases before and after CD19 CAR T cell therapy. These biopsies were compared against five people with autoimmune diseases after rituximab treatment, and were also compared to non-lymphoid organ (colon, kidney, gallbladder) biopsies from three people with autoimmune diseases after CD19 CAR T cell therapy. After CD19 CAR T cell therapy, CD19+ and CD20+ B cells as well as follicular dendritic cells (cells of the immune system found in the lymph nodes of B cell areas of lymphoid tissue) were depleted in the lymph nodes, whereas plasma cells, T cells and macrophages remained unchanged. People on rituximab treatment did not achieve B cell depletion, which suggests CD19 CAR T cell therapy could be a more effective treatment for autoimmune diseases, including lupus.
The findings underscore the necessity of tissue analysis following B-cell depleting therapy to measure the extent of the treatment’s impact. Learn more about treatments being studied for lupus and sign up for a free, virtual webinar on CAR T cell therapy on Thursday, September 19.
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