抗 CD19 CAR-T 治疗后的 SLE 患者细胞因子与反应性特征

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting CD19 + B cells have demonstrated efficacy in refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although initial clinical data suggest that anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapy is well tolerated and highly effective, the immunologic consequences of CAR T cell therapy in SLE patients remain unclear.

We profiled serum in six refractory SLE patients prior to and 3 months following CAR T cell infusion. Three months post T cell infusion, the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF decreased in patient sera. This was accompanied by elevations in serum IL-7 and BAFF.

Furthermore, SLE-associated antibodies dropped profoundly in five of six patients. Last, consistent with other reports of CD19 CAR T therapy in B cell malignancies, we were able to show marginal impact of anti-CD19 CART therapy on pre-existing humoral immune responses in SLE patients.

Together, these results provide insights into the mechanisms of efficacy of anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapy in SLE.