Resolution of inflammation by B cell directed CAR T cell therapy (TP02)

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

This project addresses the disruption of follicular structures in the lymph nodes of patients with SLE and RA that are subjected to deep B cell depletion by CD19-CAR T-cells therapy or CD19xCD3 T cell engager therapy, respectively. The project will (i) determine the extent of B-cell depletion and follicular disruption among different B-cell depleting approaches, (ii) assess the changes of the immune cell- and molecular expression landscape in the lymph nodes associated with drug-free remission after deep B-cell depletion and (iii) understand the repopulation of the lymph nodes including its functional consequences.

• 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: Dr. Fabian Müller; Professor Dr. Georg Schett