Five patients in England with lupus have entered remission following treatment in an NHS trial of a new therapy that alters their own immune cells. The approach, known as CAR T-cell therapy, removes white blood cells called T lymphocytes, modifies them to target disease, and returns them to the patient through an infusion to reset the immune system. Already used in cancer care, the method was applied at University College London hospitals to nine adults aged 19 to 50 whose severe lupus had not responded to prior treatments. Most had kidney involvement. Five patients given a lower dose achieved remission within months and remained stable for an average of 11 months. Three others on a higher dose have shorter follow-up but show similar early progress. Kidney function stabilised or improved, and disease markers declined rapidly. Lupus is a chronic condition in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue, leading to inflammation in joints, skin, kidneys, lungs and heart. Roughly five million people worldwide are affected, mostly women. Researchers say the one-time treatment may eventually replace lifelong medication. One participant, free of major symptoms for the first time in decades, has resumed activities such as skiing and dancing. Larger studies are planned to confirm whether the therapy can deliver lasting remission.
