Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-driven fibrosing disorder characterized by autoimmunity, vasculopathy and fibroblast activation and by a high disease related morbidity and mortality. CD19-CAR T cell therapy is a novel tool of B cell depletion that we recently applied to a first series of patients with diffuse, progressive SSc. We observed a rapid and pronounced improvement of skin fibrosis and of digital ulcerations. These clinical findings were paralleled by microscopic improvements of the skin structure. The aim of this project is to deeply characterize the effects of CD19-CAR T cell therapy on fibrotic tissue remodeling in SSc on the molecular level using state of the art omics technologies. Moreover, we will associate baseline findings with individual treatment response in an attempt to define deep tissue remission. These findings will help to understand mechanisms of immune-driven tissue fibrosis and to refine individual treatment strategies in the future.
Principal Investigators
Dr. med. Christina Bergmann