Using RNA-engineered CAR T cells to treat lupus
Official title: Targeting BCMA+ Cells with RNA-engineered CAR T cells to treat Lupus: A Phase 2 clinical study
Funded at Cartesian Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-10929738 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to use your own immune cells to help treat lupus by making them better at targeting and getting rid of the harmful cells that cause the disease, all while keeping the treatment safer and easier for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cartesian Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gaithersburg, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 14, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $149,008 |
| NIH project number | 1U44AI184200-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929738 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus who have not responded well to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild lupus symptoms or those who are not diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel cell therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease affecting millions. The approach involves engineering a patient's own T cells to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that targets and eliminates harmful cells associated with lupus. Unlike traditional CAR T therapies that permanently modify the genome, this method uses RNA to create a temporary CAR expression, reducing toxicity and eliminating the need for preconditioning chemotherapy. This innovative strategy aims to provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients suffering from lupus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a safer and more effective treatment for lupus, improving patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While CAR T cell therapies have shown success in treating certain cancers, this RNA-engineered approach for lupus is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Cartesian Therapeutics, INC.
Gaithersburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jewell, Christopher M — Cartesian Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Jewell, Christopher M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A doctor-scientist at Yale is studying why certain immune T cells cause skin damage in discoid lupus, with the goal of finding ways to reduce scarring and improve health for patients, especially African American women.
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A study in people with lupus looks at tiny RNA pieces that may spark inflammation, to understand if they drive disease activity.
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Antiviral factors that limit HIV in people with SLE
Researchers at Howard University are studying how immune factors in people with lupus may help limit HIV infection.
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PTPRS and lupus nephritis: a new target to reduce kidney damage in lupus
Aims to understand how PTPRS contributes to kidney inflammation and scarring in lupus nephritis and explore targeting it to help patients.
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.