Together, these cell types help fight viruses and bacteria, but they are also central in the development of autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune diseases the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells and tissues.
Research goal
We will investigate methods that aim to eliminate the B cells that are involved autoimmune reactions by developing novel reagents in the form of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs).
These can be used for specific depletion of pathogenic B cells reactive with intracellular self-antigens. In addition, the center has a goal to become a powerhouse where clinicians and laboratory scientists interact daily.
Research activities
We will provide proof-of-concept studies in four autoimmune diseases:
- Systemic sclerosis
- Anti-synthetase syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Celiac disease
These are each characterized by autoantibodies against specific intracellular self-antigens.
We will develop novel reagents for depletion of antigen specific B cells. In addition, we will improve preclinical mouse models which will be used to test the efficacy of the reagents that we develop.