Treatments that target T cells for autoimmune disease
Targeting T cell Subsets in Autoimmune Disease
This project will try using an antibody drug called elotuzumab to target specific T and B cells in people with IgG4-related disease and related autoimmune conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324015 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
At Massachusetts General Hospital you would be offered treatment with elotuzumab while doctors collect blood and sometimes tissue samples to watch how immune cells change. The team will look for cells marked by SLAMF7 and study CD4+ cytotoxic T cells and B‑cell subsets that seem to drive disease. Visits may include infusions, blood tests, imaging, and optional biopsies tied to lab work that explains how the drug works. The team links lab discoveries to patient care, building on prior successes that moved other immune drugs into use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with active IgG4-related disease, especially those not fully controlled by current treatments, would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People with unrelated autoimmune conditions, those with inactive or well-controlled disease, or patients who cannot receive monoclonal antibodies (for example due to active serious infections) are less likely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce inflammation and symptoms in IgG4-related disease and lead to a new targeted therapy for similar autoimmune conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Antibodies like elotuzumab have been used successfully in multiple myeloma and other immune-targeting drugs (for example tocilizumab in giant cell arteritis) have worked clinically, but using anti-SLAMF7 for IgG4‑RD is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stone, John H — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Stone, John H
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.