Engineered immune cells take aim at debilitating autoimmune diseases

This early-stage study tests a new treatment using specially engineered immune cells (CAR T-cells) that target two proteins, CD19 and BCMA, to calm overactive immune attacks in people with severe autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and neuromyelitis optica. Up to 12 adults whose disease has returned or not responded to standard therapies will receive a single infusion of these 'off-the-shelf' donor cells. The main goal is to check safety and find the right dose, while also watching for any improvement in symptoms.