Three-part immune engager to help natural killer cells remove lupus-causing B cells
Trispecific Killer Cell Engager for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
['FUNDING_R21'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11318917
A new three-part immune molecule aims to help natural killer cells better find and remove the B cells that drive lupus in people with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11318917 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team is designing a "trispecific" molecule that links disease-causing B cells to natural killer (NK) cells and boosts the NK cells' killing activity. They will create versions of this engager in the lab and test how well it triggers NK cells to clear autoantibody-producing B cells using human immune cells and laboratory models. Early safety and activity will be measured in lab assays and preclinical models to show proof-of-concept before any human trials. If those tests go well, this work could lead to clinical studies where patients donate samples or receive the therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with systemic lupus erythematosus—particularly those with active disease or lupus nephritis and persistent B cells despite standard treatments—would be the most relevant candidates for future studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose disease is driven mainly by non-B-cell processes, those with active serious infections, or pregnant people may not benefit from a B cell–targeted NK engager.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could more completely remove autoreactive B cells, reduce autoantibody levels and flares, and lower the need for long-term broad immunosuppression in people with lupus.
How similar studies have performed: Monoclonal antibodies that deplete B cells have helped some people with lupus but often leave tissue or memory B cells behind, and trispecific NK-engager molecules are a newer approach with promising lab and oncology signals but limited testing in lupus so far.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES — Newark, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HATEFI, ARASH — RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: HATEFI, ARASH
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 below.
Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases