Long-term remission of autoimmune diseases by B cell directed CD19 CAR-T cell therapy (TP01)

• Subject Area: Rheumatology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 550296805

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) such as SLE, IIM, and SSc are driven by autoantibody formation and immune cell activation that progressively impair organ function. Recently, we have performed CD19 CAR T-cell therapy to induce deep B-cell depletion, achieving durable remission in 35 patients and allowing for discontinuation of immunosuppressive drugs. In this project, we aim to establish a reverse translational framework using these patients as a human model of immune remission. We will longitudinally evaluate immune cell dynamics, B-cell and T-cell reconstitution, receptor repertoires, metabolic states, (auto)antibody profiles, and myeloid cell polarization.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1755: CASCAID - Cellular and Systems Control of Autoimmune Disease
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Project Heads: Professorin Aline Bozec, Ph.D.; Dr. Jule Taubmann