Gone but not forgotten: CAR-NK cells leave a lasting mark on autoimmunity
- Journal
- Med (New York, N.Y.) (Q1)
- Published
- 14 August 2026
- Study design
- Phase 1 (first-in-human) trial
- Evidence level
- Level 4, Very Low (CEBM 4)
- Authors
- Rejeena Shrestha, Rafet Basar
- PMID
- 42600571
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.medj.2026.101265
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Rheumatology (paper of the day, 18 August 2026): Phase I CAR‑NK trial, SLE safety
Abstract
In this phase 1 open-label trial, Zeng et al.1 show that umbilical cord blood-derived CD19 CAR NK-cell therapy is safe and effectively depletes autoreactive B cells in refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Despite only transient CAR NK-cell persistence, patients experienced sustained clinical improvement and reconstitution of a predominantly naive B cell compartment, suggesting immune resetting rather than temporary immunosuppression.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.