Using CAR-T cell therapy to treat autoimmune diseases affecting the central nervous system
CAR-T cell treatment of CNS Autoimmunity
This study is exploring a new way to help people with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis by using a special type of treatment called CAR-T cell therapy, which aims to target and remove the harmful immune cells causing the problem without affecting the rest of the immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093987 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treat autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis by utilizing CAR-T cell therapy. The study focuses on creating specialized CAR-T cells that can specifically target and eliminate harmful immune cells without suppressing the entire immune system. By engineering these cells to recognize specific T cell receptors, the research aims to selectively destroy autoreactive T cells that contribute to autoimmune conditions. Preliminary results in animal models show promise in preventing and resolving symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis or MOG antibody disease.
Not a fit: Patients with autoimmune conditions not related to the central nervous system or those who do not respond to CAR-T cell therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a targeted therapy that effectively treats autoimmune diseases without the side effects of global immunosuppression.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success with CAR-T cell therapies in cancer treatment, but this application for autoimmune diseases is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Gregory — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Wu, Gregory
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.