Autoimmune diseases are chronic inflammatory disorders caused by abnormal immune responses against the body’s own tissues. At their core lies a breakdown of immune tolerance and dysregulation of immune control. When genetic susceptibility (such as HLA-associated risk) interacts with environmental triggers—including infections, hormones, microbiome changes, smoking, and ultraviolet exposure—the immune system becomes persistently overactivated. Autoantibodies and immune complexes accumulate, inflammatory cytokines amplify the response, and widespread multi-organ inflammation and tissue damage follow. 

Clinically, these diseases often involve alternating periods of flare and remission. Systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and weight changes are common, while specific manifestations vary depending on the organs involved.

Autoimmune Diseases Suitable for CAR-T Therapy:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Most common in young women. A multisystem disease in which an overactive immune system attacks the skin, joints, kidneys, blood, and nervous system. Typical features include the “butterfly rash,” photosensitivity, joint pain, recurrent fevers, and hair loss. Severe cases may develop lupus nephritis or neurological damage. Disease activity often fluctuates.

• Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS)

Characterized by dryness of the mouth and eyes due to immune-mediated damage of the salivary and lacrimal glands. Some patients develop parotid enlargement, chronic fatigue, or involvement of the lungs, kidneys, or nervous system.

• Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)

Also known as scleroderma. Hallmarked by small-vessel disease and excessive fibroblast activation, leading to collagen deposition and progressive fibrosis. Early symptoms include Raynaud’s phenomenon, followed by thickening and tightening of the skin. As disease progresses, the lungs, heart, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys may become involved.

• ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV)

Characterized by inflammation of small blood vessels, commonly affecting the respiratory tract and kidneys. Symptoms include nasal congestion, sinusitis, hemoptysis, shortness of breath, hematuria, and renal dysfunction. Some patients develop purpura, neuropathy, or systemic fatigue. Without timely treatment, disease progression can be rapid and life-threatening.

Traditional treatments suppress the immune system to control symptoms, but remission is often temporary, drug resistance can develop, and many patients require long-term or lifelong medication. Studies have shown that B-cell dysregulation plays a central role in many systemic autoimmune diseases. B cells produce autoantibodies, amplify inflammation, and contribute to tissue injury—making them key drivers of disease flares. As a result, targeting B cells has become a crucial therapeutic strategy.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy modifies a patient’s T cells to express receptors that specifically recognize B cells. After reinfusion, these engineered T cells eliminate pathogenic B cells precisely, profoundly, and durably. Unlike broad immunosuppression—which reduces both abnormal activity and normal defense—CAR-T therapy aims to restore immune balance and rebuild immune tolerance. 

Cutting-edge research and clinical experience at our center show that CAR-T therapy can:

• Induce deep remission and immunologic reconstitution
• Significantly reduce disease activity and slow organ damage
• Provide transformative options for patients who do not respond to standard therapies or rely heavily on long-term medications

Our CAR-T program is led by a team with internationally recognized achievements in hematologic malignancies and extensive hands-on experience in cellular therapy and safety management. We now apply this mature, precise, and safe treatment system to autoimmune diseases, bringing new hope to patients with refractory conditions.