Cellular Therapy May Effectively Treats Skin Diseases

An emerging cancer treatment, known as adoptive cellular therapy, shows promise for treating skin diseases like the autoimmune disease pemphigus vulgaris, according to recent research presented at the 2017 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Summer Meeting.

The plenary session was presented by Michael C Milone, MD, PhD, an associate professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr Milone discussed how researchers are almost able to use adoptive cellular therapy to treat pemphigus vulgaris. He explained that the process involves engineering T cells with portions of antibodies, which are engaged to attack bad cells through use of a artificial synthetic receptor known as a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). The T cells can be programed to attack B cells, making it a strong candidate for correcting autoimmune disorders that are mediated by B cells. 

Treatments for pemphigus vulgaris are currently being developed, he explained. This treatment will target the B cells that make antibodies to desmoglein molecules—making it a better candidate than rituximab, which eliminates all B cells. 

The therapy is administered through plasma exchanges—a procedure that patients often respond positively to, Dr Milone explained. —David Costill