Combined B cell/T cell therapy as novel approach for the re-induction of humoral immune-tolerance.

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Gerhard Krönke, since 1/2019
• Subject Area: Rheumatology
• Term: from 2019 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 405969122

Despite considerable efforts and success in the development of anti-inflammatory drugs, there is yet no curative treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the proposed investigator initiated trial we aim to sequentially combine a B cell-targeted therapy and a T cell-targeted therapy to induce a state of clinical remission as well as to re-establish immune tolerance in autoantibody-positive RA patients. ACPA-positive active RA patients will receive rituximab, followed by a treatment with abatacept or placebo. Primary outcome is the change in autoantibody (ACPA) levels, while secondary outcomes will be the change ACPA glycosylation and in B cell and T cell responses as well as the effects on clinical disease activity.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 2886: PANDORA - Pathways triggering AutoimmuNity and Defining Onset of early Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Dr. Axel Hueber, until 1/2019