Beyond malignancies: Clinical advancements of CAR T-cell in the treatment of autoimmune diseases

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy targeting B cells has emerged as a breakthrough treatment for hematological malignancies and shows promising potential in autoimmune diseases. While selective targeting of B-cell activation and autoantibody production represents an innovative therapeutic approach in autoimmune conditions, clinical responses remain suboptimal in many patients due to incomplete B-cell depletion in tissues and limitations in identifying ideal target antigens. Over the past four years, autologous or allogeneic CAR T-cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in autoimmune diseases, achieving rapid and sustained B-cell depletion alongside complete clinical and serological remission. This review examines the current landscape of B cell-targeting CAR T-cell therapy, its therapeutic applications in autoimmune disorders, ongoing translational research, and future developments.