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Review
. 2025 Aug 13:16:1625166.
doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1625166. eCollection 2025.

CAR-T therapy: pioneering a new era in the treatment of autoimmune diseases

Yuanhao Wu  1 , Luyao Han  1 , Yu Wang  1 , Mengjiao Gu  1 , Yunuo Wang  1 , Jingyue Gao  1 , Hanjing Huang  1 , Chen Li  2
Affiliations
Review

CAR-T therapy: pioneering a new era in the treatment of autoimmune diseases

Yuanhao Wu et al. Front Immunol. .

Abstract

CAR-T therapy, an innovative immunotherapeutic approach, genetically modifies T cells to express CARs, enabling targeted destruction of specific antigen-expressing cells. Initially developed for oncology, CAR-T therapy has shown significant potential in treating autoimmune diseases. By targeting CD19+ B cells, CAR-T therapy has demonstrated rapid and sustained remission in refractory cases, with studies showing normalized laboratory parameters and reduced disease activity. At the same time, CAR-NK, CAAR-T and CAR-Treg technologies further broaden therapeutic strategies. However, some adverse effects also exist, including CRS, ICANS and so on. Despite these challenges, CAR therapy represents a promising advancement in autoimmune disease treatment, with ongoing research aimed at enhancing efficacy, durability, and safety. Continuous innovation is essential to address limitations and optimize therapeutic outcomes.

Keywords: CAR (chimeric antigen receptor); SLE - systemic lupus erythematosus; adverse (side) effects; autoimmune diseases; chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(A) Schematic for manufacturing and administration workflow of CAR-T Therapy. (B) CAR-T cell-associated toxicities.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The structures of the CARs. (A) CD19 CAR-T; (B) BCMA CAR-T; (C) CD19-BCMA CAR-T; (D) BAFF CAR-T; (E) Dsg3 CAAR-T; (F) CAR-Treg; (G) PD-1 CAR-NK.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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