Application of BCMA CAR-T in systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody production, complement activation, and a chronic relapsing-remitting course. Patients with refractory SLE often have limited treatment options.

METHODS

Three female patients with SLE (median age: 29 years) and active disease refractory to immunosuppressive therapies were enrolled in a B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell program. Autologous T cells were transduced with a lentiviral anti-BCMA CAR vector, expanded, and reinfused at a dose of 40 M CAR T cells on day 0 and day 2.

RESULTS

By day 13, clinical improvement and normalization of laboratory parameters were observed in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that BCMA CAR-T cell therapy is feasible, tolerable, and exhibits significant efficacy in the short term for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), supporting further investigation into this therapy. Key Points • BCMA CAR-T cell therapy was used on three patients with treatment-resistant systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). • The treatment led to rapid improvement in all patients and was found to be feasible, tolerable, and effective.