CAR T cell therapies have revolutionized the treatment of some blood cancers. These drugs could now be opening up transformative opportunities in autoimmunity as well. By unleashing these engineered T cells on the out-of-control B cells underpinning various autoimmune disorders, drug developers hope to lay the foundations for long-term immune system resets. Unprecedented data in lupus has prompted a research race in that disease, and trials in multiple sclerosis (MS) are up and running too.

Interviewed by Asher Mullard

Questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity.