Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science) >

2025 , Vol. 45 >Issue 11: 1432 - 1442

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2025.11.003

Frontier review

Review of CAR-T cell therapy for autoimmune diseases

  • WANG Xueyi ,
  • LI Benshang
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  • Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shanghai Children′s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
LI Benshang, E-mail: libenshang@scmc.com.cn.

Received date: 2025-05-07

  Accepted date: 2025-06-06

  Online published: 2025-12-03

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Abstract

Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy, which involves genetically engineering T cells to specifically recognize and efficiently eliminate target cells, has achieved groundbreaking success in treating hematological malignancies such as B-cell lymphoma and leukemia. Driven by its unique mechanism of action, research into extending its applications to other disease areas is actively underway. In particular, CAR-T therapy has shown significant potential in treating autoimmune diseases (AIDs), attracting considerable attention. Current conventional treatments for AIDs, including glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and biologics, are often associated with limitations such as limited efficacy, short duration of remission, and long-term toxicity. In contrast, CAR-T therapy has emerged as a highly promising treatment strategy for AIDs, owing to its advantages of precise targeting and the capacity to induce sustained, drug-free remission. This article reviews recent preclinical and clinical advances in CAR-T therapy for various AIDs, demonstrating its feasibility in eradicating pathogenic B cells and reestablishing immune tolerance. It also examines the major challenges confronting this treatment approach, including adverse effects, limited persistence, and treatment resistance in some patients. Furthermore, strategies to address these challenges are discussed, focusing on the optimization of the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) structure, the exploration of novel specific targets, and the development of universal CAR-T products. Finally, future research directions are outlined, with the aim of providing a rational foundation for the further development and refinement of CAR-T therapy for AIDs.

Key words： chimeric antigen receptor T cell; cellular immunotherapy; autoimmune diseases

Cite this article

WANG Xueyi , LI Benshang . Review of CAR-T cell therapy for autoimmune diseases[J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science), 2025 , 45(11) : 1432 -1442 . DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2025.11.003

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