Beyond conventional treatment: Novel cell therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by its heterogeneity, as it can affect various organs and exhibit a diverse clinical progression. The identification of SLE relies on the presence of distinct clinical manifestations in the skin, joints, kidneys, and the central nervous system, along with serological markers like antinuclear antibodies such as antibodies targeting dsDNA. The present therapeutic approaches for SLE encompass the use of antimalarial agents, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressive medications, and biological therapies. Despite the advancements in therapeutic strategies, SLE continues to be linked with adverse outcomes. The complicity and unpredictable nature of disease, characterized by episodes of relapses and remissions, coupled with the side effects of current treatment options, the progressive accumulation of organ damage, and persistent mortality rates despite therapeutic improvements, underscores the urgent necessity for the creation of innovative, effective, and specifically targeted therapies. Cell-based therapies, although still in their nascent stages, have attracted considerable interest in the realm of SLE treatment due to their potential for long-term disease suppression or even the possibility of a cure. Various cell types have emerged as promising candidates for SLE management. This review aims to provide a brief overview of the most recent research on novel cell-based therapeutic approaches that have progressed to either pre-clinical or clinical trial phases for the treatment of SLE.