Using engineered T cells to treat pemphigus vulgaris

Immunomodulatory effects of desmoglein 3 chimeric autoantibody receptor T cells (DSG3-CAART) in mucosal pemphigus vulgaris

['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11013344

This study is testing a new treatment for pemphigus vulgaris that uses your own modified immune cells to help stop the blisters by targeting the cells that cause the problem, and it's designed for people who are dealing with this painful condition.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11013344 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel therapy for pemphigus vulgaris, an autoimmune disease characterized by painful blisters. The approach involves genetically modifying a patient's own T cells to specifically target and eliminate the B cells that produce harmful autoantibodies against desmoglein 3, a protein crucial for skin adhesion. By utilizing chimeric autoantibody receptors (CAARs), the therapy aims to provide a one-time treatment that could potentially cure the disease. The study is currently in its first phase, focusing on assessing the safety and tolerability of this innovative treatment in patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with mucosal-dominant pemphigus vulgaris who have not responded to conventional therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of pemphigus or those who do not have pemphigus vulgaris may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a curative treatment for patients suffering from pemphigus vulgaris.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with similar engineered T cell therapies in treating various cancers, suggesting potential for success in autoimmune conditions as well.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anti-cancer therapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.