New treatment approach for systemic lupus erythematosus using engineered immune cells
Official title: Trispecific Killer Cell Engager for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11089846 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment that helps your immune system better fight against systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by targeting the cells that cause problems, with the hope of making your treatment more effective and reducing flare-ups.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 9, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $235,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI189372-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089846 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, particularly those experiencing complications such as acute kidney failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune disorders or those who do not have systemic lupus erythematosus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel trispecific killer cell engager designed to enhance the immune response against systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disorder. By engineering immune cells to better target and eliminate the overactive B cells responsible for the disease, the study aims to improve treatment efficacy and reduce the risk of disease relapse. Patients with SLE often experience severe complications, including kidney damage, and this innovative approach seeks to address those challenges through enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The research will involve laboratory experiments to test the effectiveness of this new treatment strategy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus, potentially reducing symptoms and preventing organ damage.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using engineered immune cells is innovative, similar strategies targeting immune dysregulation in autoimmune diseases have shown promise in preliminary studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hatefi, Arash — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Hatefi, Arash
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.