'Rebooting' a Malfunctioning Immune System?

T and B cells are different populations of the body's white blood cells, with distinct roles in the immune (antibody-producing) system. Lupus is an autoimmune (where antibodies attack the individual's own cells, rather than a foreign invader) disease, causing extreme tiredness; organ damage and pain in joints as well as muscles. Lupus can vary markedly in its severity. The condition appears triggered by viral infections, particular medicines and/or body changes around puberty/the menopause (this last point, suggests hormonal changes may be implicated). Lupus is more common in women than in men. In this condition, the sufferer's B cells seem to produce autoimmune antibodies. A study in Germany's Friedrich-Alexander University, has now successfully treated 5, relatively young, severe Lupus patients, with CAR-T therapy (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/sep/15/scientists-hail-autoimmune-disease-therapy-breakthrough-car-t-cell-lupus). Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T therapy, is a technique with already some success in treating certain cancers. In CAR-T, the body's T cells are programmed to target particular 'problem cells'. In the case of the Lupus study, the patient's T cells were removed, programmed to attack malfunctioning B cells and then returned to the individual's body. Dramatic improvements in the conditions of all 5 patients were noted. 'Rebooting their immune systems' has enabled all 5 to live, without medication for Lupus, for extended periods. Additional investigations, confirmed that none of these patient's previous vaccine-induced protections were wiped out by CAR-T. The study, although relatively small, is very encouraging. Indeed, its authors opine that CAR-T may be used to treat other autoimmune diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. CAR-T seems a real breakthrough for autoimmune disease sufferers?