Selective plasma cell targeting (15)

• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: from 2013 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 215346292

Project 15 previously established a method for a selective plasma cell depletion using the so-called affinity matrix technology, consisting of a plasma cell-directed antibody coupled to a conjugate of a potential target-antigen. The concept was confirmed in vitro and using a murine model of myasthenia gravis. In addition, treatment with the monoclonal anti-CD38 antibody daratumumab demonstrated a therapeutically relevant plasma cell depletion in two patients with SLE. In the next funding period, the efficacy of the selective plasma cell depletion will be further improved and the affinity matrix transferred to B cells for a selective targeting of autoreactive B cells. Finally, the anti-CD38 targeting of plasma cells will be followed up in a pilot clinical trial.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 130: B Cells: Immunity and Autoimmunity
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Project Heads: Dr. Tobias Alexander; Professor Dr. Falk Hiepe, until 6/2021; Professorin Dr. Bimba Franziska Hoyer, until 6/2021