CAR T cell therapy efficacy and safety in SLE: a systematic review and pooled analysis of 47 patients across 10 studies

Abstract Conventional therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often fail to achieve lasting remission. CAR T cell therapy, which depletes autoreactive B cells, offers a novel approach for refractory cases. We aim to consolidate the current evidence on CAR T cell therapy in the treatment of SLE. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Clinical trials.gov were searched up to November 18, 2024, for SLE patients receiving CAR T cell therapy. Data on efficacy, safety, and treatment responses were analyzed. Ten studies involving 47 SLE patients were identified. Among those patients, 81% achieved lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) with improvements in disease activity and serologic markers. B cell depletion was consistent, with immune recovery over time. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in 87% but was mostly mild (grades 1–2). Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) occurred only in one patient and was mild (grade 1). CAR T cell therapy shows promise in refractory SLE, achieving durable remission with manageable toxicity. Further trials are needed to confirm long-term outcomes.