{"title":"Effective Use of BCMA-Targeting Bispecific T-Cell-Engaging Antibody in Treatment Refractory LRP4-positive Myasthenia Gravis.","authors":"Stefanie Schreiber,Marwa Al-Dubai,Stefan Vielhaber,Lora Lefterova,Sascha Dietrich,Tobias Ruck,Sven Meuth,Denise Walther,Dimitrios Mougiakakos","doi":"10.1016/j.ymthe.2025.06.029","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction. Refractory MG, particularly in cases associated with rare anti-LRP4 antibodies, presents significant treatment challenges. Teclistamab, a bispecific antibody targeting BCMA and CD3, redirects T cells against plasma cells and is approved for multiple myeloma treatment. Increasing interest surrounds the use of T-cell-based therapies in B-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, particularly CAR T cells, which have demonstrated efficacy in achieving deep B-cell depletion and durable remissions. Additionally, emerging data support the use of T cell engagers (TCEs) as an alternative strategy for targeting autoreactive B cells. We report the case of a 47-year-old woman with severe, refractory, LRP4-positive MG. Despite multiple treatments, she remained severely affected, wheelchair-bound, and experiencing significant disability. Off-label teclistamab administration resulted in mild cytokine release syndrome (CRS), self-resolving lymphopenia, and hypogammaglobulinemia. Residual circulating B cells were eliminated, anti-LRP4 antibodies became undetectable, and clinical scores improved significantly. The patient regained mobility and has sustained remission during short-term follow-up. This case highlights the therapeutic potential of teclistamab and BCMA-targeting strategies in MG, warranting further investigation.","PeriodicalId":19020,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Therapy","volume":"44 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":12.1000,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Molecular Therapy","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymthe.2025.06.029","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction. Refractory MG, particularly in cases associated with rare anti-LRP4 antibodies, presents significant treatment challenges. Teclistamab, a bispecific antibody targeting BCMA and CD3, redirects T cells against plasma cells and is approved for multiple myeloma treatment. Increasing interest surrounds the use of T-cell-based therapies in B-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, particularly CAR T cells, which have demonstrated efficacy in achieving deep B-cell depletion and durable remissions. Additionally, emerging data support the use of T cell engagers (TCEs) as an alternative strategy for targeting autoreactive B cells. We report the case of a 47-year-old woman with severe, refractory, LRP4-positive MG. Despite multiple treatments, she remained severely affected, wheelchair-bound, and experiencing significant disability. Off-label teclistamab administration resulted in mild cytokine release syndrome (CRS), self-resolving lymphopenia, and hypogammaglobulinemia. Residual circulating B cells were eliminated, anti-LRP4 antibodies became undetectable, and clinical scores improved significantly. The patient regained mobility and has sustained remission during short-term follow-up. This case highlights the therapeutic potential of teclistamab and BCMA-targeting strategies in MG, warranting further investigation.
期刊介绍:
Molecular Therapy is the leading journal for research in gene transfer, vector development, stem cell manipulation, and therapeutic interventions. It covers a broad spectrum of topics including genetic and acquired disease correction, vaccine development, pre-clinical validation, safety/efficacy studies, and clinical trials. With a focus on advancing genetics, medicine, and biotechnology, Molecular Therapy publishes peer-reviewed research, reviews, and commentaries to showcase the latest advancements in the field. With an impressive impact factor of 12.4 in 2022, it continues to attract top-tier contributions.