The pervasive application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based cellular therapies
in the treatment of oncological diseases has long been recognized. However, CAR T
cells can target and eliminate autoreactive cells in autoimmune and immune-mediated
diseases. By doing so, they can contribute to an effective and relatively long-lasting
remission. In turn, CAR Treg interventions may have a highly effective and durable
immunomodulatory effect via a direct or bystander effect, which may have a positive
impact on the course and prognosis of autoimmune diseases. CAR-based cellular techniques
have a complex theoretical foundation and are difficult to implement in practice,
but they have a remarkable capacity to suppress the destructive functions of the immune
system. This article provides an overview of the numerous CAR-based therapeutic options
developed for the treatment of immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases. We believe
that well-designed, rigorously tested cellular therapies could provide a promising
new personalized treatment strategy for a significant number of patients with immune-mediated
disorders.
