REVIEW article

Front. Immunol., 17 September 2025

Sec. Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Disorders : Autoimmune Disorders

Volume 16 - 2025 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1647066

Innovations in immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases: recent breakthroughs and future directions

  • 1. Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia

  • 2. Health and Life Research Center, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Millions of people worldwide suffer from chronic and devastating autoimmune disorders, challenging contemporary medicine. These disorders develop when the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Traditional treatments have focused on widespread immunosuppression, which can relieve symptoms but has serious adverse effects and does not address immunological dysregulation. This review discusses the current and future trends in immunotherapy for the management of autoimmune diseases, including advancements such as CAR T-cell therapy, bispecific antibodies, next-generation immune checkpoint modulators, targeted cytokine therapies, and microbiome-based interventions. The discussion is grounded in current scientific literature, focusing on mechanisms of action, recent breakthroughs, limitations, and potential future directions. Each of the related sections presents cutting-edge advancements, current challenges, and future opportunities for research and clinical translation.

1 Introduction

Autoimmune diseases represent a significant challenge in modern medicine, being chronic and debilitating conditions affecting millions of individuals worldwide. These diseases occur when the immune system targets the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage (). Among these conditions, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), type 1 diabetes (T1D), and multiple sclerosis (MS) affect a global population of millions and pose a considerable challenge to treatment in terms of efficacy, safety, and long-term disease control ().

Conventional therapy for autoimmune diseases has primarily focused on broad immunosuppression, which can alleviate symptoms but often has significant side effects and does not address the underlying immune dysregulation (). More recently, immunotherapy has emerged as a revolutionary treatment approach. Unlike conventional therapies, immunotherapy aims to modulate the immune system more precisely by enhancing its regulatory functions or specifically targeting the pathogenic immune cells and molecules involved in the disease process (, ). This approach not only improves efficacy but also can reduce the adverse effects of the immune response. The impact of recent breakthroughs in immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases can extend beyond symptomatic relief, offering the potential for long-term disease remission and even cure. As research progresses, the focus on personalized medicine, combination therapies, and improved drug delivery systems continues to shape the landscape of autoimmune disease management (). This evolving paradigm holds promise for transforming patient outcomes and improving the quality of life of those afflicted by these chronic conditions.

This review focuses on recent breakthroughs in immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases, including the adaptation of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, the development of bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), advancements in next-generation checkpoint inhibitors, targeted cytokine therapies, and microbiome-based interventions. Each of the related sections presents cutting-edge advancements, current challenges, and future opportunities for research and clinical translation.

2 Chimeric antigen receptor T-Cell therapy in autoimmune diseases

CAR T-cell therapy has shown promise against treatment-resistant autoimmune diseases (). By genetically modifying a patient’s autologous T cells to express synthetic receptors targeting specific antigens, CAR T-cell therapy allows for the selective elimination of autoreactive immune cells, thereby “resetting” immune tolerance (Figure 1). Schett et al. () demonstrated this transformative potential when they treated 5 patients with refractory SLE with CD19-directed CAR T cells. The results were remarkable: all patients entered durable drug-free remission, with normalized complement levels, decreased anti-dsDNA titers, and no further disease flares during follow-up. These results demonstrate the major role of autoreactive B cells in lupus pathogenesis and validate CAR T-mediated B-cell depletion as a possible disease-modifying intervention.

Figure 1

). Created in BioRender. Alsayb, M. (2025) https://BioRender.com/1glnsej.

2.1 Breakthroughs

Recent studies show that CD19 CAR T-cell therapy can induce drug-free remission in refractory SLE and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, with only mild, short-lived cytokine release syndrome as a well-tolerated side effect (, ). The therapy rapidly eliminates autoantibody-producing plasmablasts, and even after B-cell recovery, patients maintain remission with naïve, non-class-switched B cells over extended follow-up periods (). Additionally, patients with systemic sclerosis experienced significant improvement in heart, joint, and skin manifestations, reinforcing the critical role of B-cell–mediated autoimmunity in these diseases and suggesting broader therapeutic potential for CD19 CAR T-cell therapy (). Moreover, several preclinical and early clinical studies have looked into extending CAR T-cell therapy to other autoimmune conditions (). Studies on CAR T-cell therapy for myasthenia gravis (MG) show that B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted RNA-engineered CAR T cells led to clinical improvement and were deemed safe (), while CD19-targeted CAR T cells achieved long-term disease stabilization without increasing infection risk, suggesting a safe and lasting treatment option for refractory MG (, ). Additionally, scientists at Xuzhou Medical University developed bispecific CAR T cells targeting CD19 and BCMA to reset immune responses in relapsed or treatment-resistant Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), resulting in improved muscle function and reduced disability (). Furthermore, CD19-directed CAR T cells ameliorated clinical disease in mouse models of MS and autoimmune encephalomyelitis, suggesting potential translational relevance for human autoimmune demyelinating diseases (). Expanding the applications of CAR T-cell therapy, Lee et al. () demonstrated the use of desmoglein-3-specific CAR T cells in the preclinical treatment of pemphigus vulgaris, with the subsequent efficient elimination of autoreactive B cells. These milestones represent a paradigm shift: autoimmune disorders, previously treated only with lifelong immunosuppressants, may now be intervened upon, preferably through a single curative modality aimed specifically at the immunological cause (). In essence, CAR T-cell therapy re-establishes the boundaries between oncology and immunology using precision immune-engineering. As for now, several clinical trials are currently ongoing, targeting different autoimmune diseases using CAR T-cell therapy (Table 1).

Table 1

Clinical trial no.InterventionsConditionsPhasesStudy status
NCT06279923CD19-BAFF Targeted CAR T-cellsAutoimmune DiseasesPhase1Recruiting
NCT054598704SCAR T cellsAutoimmune DiseasesPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06688799CD19 CAR-T cellsAutoimmune DiseasesPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06685042CAR T cellLupus Erythematosus, Systemic, System; Sclerosis, ANCA Associated Vasculitis, Dermatomyositis, PolymyositisPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06794008BCMA-CD19 CAR-T therapySystemic Lupus Erythematosus, Inflammatory Myopathy, Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), ANCA-associated Vasculitis, IgG4-Related Diseases, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, Behcet Disease, Sjogren SyndromePhase2Recruiting
NCT06435897fetal MSCs combined with 4SCAR T cellsAutoimmune DiseasesPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06428188BCMA/CD19 CAR-T cellsAutoimmune Diseases, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Acute, Sjogren’s SyndromePhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06056921CD19 targeted CAR-T cellsSLE (Systemic Lupus), Sjogren’s Syndrome, Systemic Scleroderma, Dermatomyositis, Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated VasculitisPhase1Recruiting
NCT06347718anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapySystemic Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Sclerosis, Dermatomyositis, PolymyositisPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06352281CAR-T cellsITP - Immune ThrombocytopeniaPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06866080LCAR-AIO T cellsRelapsed/Refractory Autoimmune DiseasesPhase1Recruiting
NCT06941129UCAR T-cellSLE, Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), Inflammatory Myopathy, ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV)Phase1Recruiting
NCT0637308Anti-CD19-CD3E-CAR-T cellsSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren’s Syndrome, Systemic Sclerosis, Inflammatory Myopathy, ANCA Associated Vasculitis, Antiphospholipid SyndromeN/ARecruiting
NCT06983964CD19 CAR-TAutoimmune DiseaseN/ARecruiting
NCT06249438CD20/BCMA-directed CAR-T cellsSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis-Relapsing-Remitting, Myasthenia GravisPhase1Recruiting
NCT06231368CNCT19 CAR-T cell therapyAutoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, Autologous CD19 CAR-T, Failure of Three or More Lines of TherapyPhase1Active Not Recruiting
NCT06451159KYV-101
anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy
Progressive Multiple SclerosisPhase1Active Not Recruiting
NCT06350110CD19- BCMA CAR-T cellsSystemic Lupus Erythematosus, Lupus Nephritis, Autoimmune Diseases, Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis, Granulomatous Polyangiitis, Microscopic Polyangiitis, Systemic Sclerosis, Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies, Sjogren’s SyndromePhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06513429IM19 CAR-T cellsRefractory Systemic Lupus ErythematosusN/ARecruiting
NCT06993493CD19 CAR-TAutoimmune DiseaseN/ARecruiting
NCT06822881CAR-T TherapySystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)Phase1Recruiting
NCT06710717CD19 CAR-T cellsSystemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE)Phase1Recruiting
NCT06775912RD06–05 CAR-T Cell InjectionSLE, Systemic Sclerosis, IIM, NMOSD, MS, MG, ANCA Associated Vasculitis (AAV)Phase1Recruiting
NCT06869278LCAR-AIO T cellsMultiple Sclerosis (MS), Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disease (NMOSD), Anti-Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein-IgG Associated Disorders (MOGAD), Myasthenia GravisPhase1Recruiting
NCT06503224Anti-BCMA and CD19 CAR-T cells will be injected intravenously on a one-time basis.Autoimmune DiseasesN/ARecruiting
NCT06904729Low-dose CAR-T cells group, High-dose CAR-T cells groupLupus NephritisPhase3Recruiting
NCT06349343CD19/BCMA CAR-T cell therapySystemic Lupus ErythematosusPhase1Recruiting
NCT06711146CD19 CAR-T cellsSystemic Lupus ErythematosusPhase1Recruiting
NCT06549296RD06–04 CAR-T Cell InjectionSystemic Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Sclerosis, ANCA Associated Vasculitis, Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Autoimmune DiseasesPhase1Recruiting
NCT06548607RD06–04 or RD06–05 CAR-T Cell InjectionSLE (Systemic Lupus), Systemic Sclerosis, ANCA Associated Vasculitis, Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Autoimmune DiseasesPhase1Recruiting
NCT06508346anti-CD19-CAR-T cellsANCA Associated Vasculitis, CAR-T Cell TherapyN/ARecruiting
NCT06361745T cell injection targeting CD19 chimeric antigen receptorSystemic Lupus Erythematosus, Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies, Systemic Sclerosis, IgG4 Related Disease, Primary Sjögren SyndromeN/ARecruiting
NCT06787989BCMA-CD19 cCAR T cellsRefractory Immune CytopeniaPhase1Recruiting
NCT06138132KYV-101
anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy
Multiple Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Primary Progressive, Multiple Sclerosis, Secondary ProgressivePhase1Active Not Recruiting
NCT06733610universal allogeneic anti-CD19/BCMA CAR T-cellsAutoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, CD19/BCMA CAR T-cells, Universal Allogeneic CAR T-cellsPhase1Recruiting
NCT06934447anti-BCMA/CD70-CAR-T cellsCAR T Cell Therapy, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, BCMAPhase1Recruiting
NCT05938725KYV-101
anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy
Lupus Nephritis, Lupus Nephritis - World Health Organization (WHO) Class III, Lupus Nephritis - WHO Class IVPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06222853anti-CD19-CAR-T cellsSystemic Lupus Erythematosus, CAR-T Cell TherapyPhase1Recruiting
NCT06342960KYV-101
anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy
Lupus Nephritis, Lupus Nephritis - WHO Class III, Lupus Nephritis - WHO Class IVPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT04561557CT103A cells, Cyclophosphamide and fludarabineAutoimmune Diseases, Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder, Myasthenia Gravis, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy, Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies, Multiple Sclerosis, Autoimmune Encephalitis, Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD), POEMS SyndromePhase1Recruiting
NCT06920433UCAR T-cell groupSystemic Lupus ErythematosusPhase1Recruiting
NCT06340750LMY-920Systemic Lupus ErythematosusPhase1Recruiting
NCT06212154CAR-T19AAutoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, CD19 CAR-T Cell InfusionPhase1Recruiting
NCT06626919anitocel, Standard Lymphodepletion regimenMuscular Diseases, Neuromuscular Manifestations, Autoimmune, Autoimmune Diseases, Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System, Myasthenia Gravis, Muscle WeaknessPhase1Recruiting
NCT06585514CD19 CAR-T cellsSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Lupus Nephritis (LN)Phase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06465147SCRI-CAR19v3Systemic Lupus ErythematosusPhase1Recruiting
NCT05828212CD19 CAR-T cells injectionNeuromyelitis OpticaPhase1Recruiting
NCT06691152CD19 Universal CAR-T cellsSystemic Lupus ErythematosusPhase1Recruiting
NCT06285279FKC288Lupus Nephritis, ANCA-associated Vasculitis, Membranous Nephropathy - PLA2R Induced, IgG4-Related DiseasesPhase1Recruiting
NCT06947460CD19-BCMA CAR-T cells infusionRefractory Lupus Nephritis, Systemic Sclerosis, Primary Sjogren's Syndrome Combined With Pulmonary HypertensionPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06400303KYV-101
anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy
Systemic Sclerosis, Systemic Sclerosis - Diffuse Cutaneous, Systemic Sclerosis - 2013 ACR/EULAR Classification CriteriaPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06316791single dose of CNCT19Lupus Erythematosus, SystemicPhase1Recruiting
NCT05828225CD19 CAR-T cells injectionMyasthenia GravisPhase1Recruiting
NCT06294236SC291Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, SLE (Systemic Lupus), Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis, Granulomatous Polyangiitis, Microscopic PolyangiitisPhase1Recruiting
NCT06497361PRG-2311Lupus Nephritis, IgG4-related DiseasePhase1Recruiting
NCT06193889KYV-101,
Standard lymphodepletion regimen
Myasthenia Gravis, Generalized Myasthenia GravisPhase2Recruiting
NCT06371040CD19-BCMA Targeted CAR-T Dose 1,
CD19-BCMA Targeted CAR-T Dose 2,
CD19-BCMA Targeted CAR-T Dose 2
Myasthenia GravisPhase1Recruiting
NCT06384976KYV-101,
Standard lymphodepletion regimen, Anti-CD20 mAb
Multiple Sclerosis, Primary Progressive, Multiple Sclerosis, Secondary Progressive, Multiple Sclerosis, MSPhase2Active Not Recruiting
NCT06519565PRG-1801Immune ThrombocytopeniaPhase1Recruiting
NCT06497387PRG-1801Lupus Nephritis, IgG4-related DiseasePhase1Recruiting
NCT06785519CD19/BCMA Lupus Nephritis Targeted CAR T-cells injectionLupus NephritisPhase1Recruiting
NCT06277427PRG-1801
(CAR-T against BCMA)
Lupus Nephritis, ANCA Associated VasculitisN/ARecruiting
NCT06653556LCAR-AIO T cellsSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)Phase1Recruiting
NCT06797024JY231 InjectionAutoimmune Diseases of the Nervous SystemNaRecruiting
NCT06544330SYNCAR-001,
STK-009
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Lupus Nephritis, Systemic SclerosisPhase1Recruiting
NCT05988216BRL-301Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)N/ARecruiting
NCT06980597OL-108Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy (IIM), Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), ANCA Associated Vasculitis (AAV)Phase1Recruiting
NCT06925542CTX112SLE (Systemic Lupus), Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic, Lupus Nephritis, Systemic Sclerosis, Inflammatory Myopathy, Idiopathic, Myositis, Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic SclerosisPhase1Recruiting
NCT06588491Standard lymphodepletion regimenStiff-Person Syndrome, SPSPhase2Recruiting
NCT06310811RD06–04 Cells injectionSafety, EffectiveN/ARecruiting
NCT06462144IMPT-514 CAR-T Cell InjectionSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), ANCA Associated Vasculitis (AAV), Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy (IIM)Phase1Recruiting
NCT06617793rapcabtagene autoleucel (YTB323)Relapsing Multiple SclerosisPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT04422912DSG3-CAART or CABA-201Pemphigus VulgarisPhase1Recruiting
NCT06308978FT819, Fludarabine, Cyclophosphamide, BendamustineAntineutrophilic Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)- Associated Vasculitis (AAV), Idiopathic Inflammatory Myositis (IIM), Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)Phase1Recruiting
NCT06121297CABA-201Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Lupus NephritisPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06359041CABA-201Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG)Phase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06530849GC012F InjectionSystemic Lupus ErythematosusPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06328777CABA-201Systemic Sclerosis, SclerodermaPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06799247Decartes-08, OTHER: Placebo DrugMyasthenia GravisPhase3Recruiting
NCT06704269GENETIC: YTB323Generalized Myasthenia GravisPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06902844Equecabtagene Autoleucel InjectionSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Lupus Nephritis (LN)NaRecruiting
NCT05451212MuSK-CAARTMuSK Myasthenia GravisPhase1Recruiting
NCT06897930AZD0120, Cyclophosphamide, FludarabineLupus Erythematosus, SystemicPhase1, Phase2Recruiting
NCT06333483Obecabtagene autoleucel (obe-cel)Systemic Lupus ErythematosusPhase1Recruiting
NCT06361836SBT777101Hidradenitis SuppurativaPhase1Recruiting
NCT06154252CABA-201 following preconditioning with fludarabine and cyclophosphamideIdiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy, Dermatomyositis, Anti-Synthetase Syndrome, Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy, Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Juvenile Polymyositis, Juvenile Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy (JIIM), Juvenile MyositisPhase1, Phase2Recruiting

CAR-T cell therapy currently in clinical trials for autoimmune diseases.

Biomarkers linked to endothelial cell activation, such as the ANG2:ANG1 ratio () and soluble adhesion molecules (sVCAM-1, sICAM-1) (), have also been associated with predicting CAR-T therapy response. A rise in these biomarkers often reflects a endothelial dysfunction, which is connected poor prognostic effect of CAR-T therapy (, ). An increase in IL-6 level is likewise associated with Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) induction, acting as a negative prognostic marker (). Additionally, an increase in the immune exhaustion markers (PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, TIM-3) affects T cell activities and predicts poorer CAR T cell therapy outcomes. Whereas, higher levels of cytotoxicity biomarkers like granzyme and perforin are linked to successful target cell death and a better outlook for CAR T cell therapy (, ). An increase in C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels, a non-specific marker for systemic inflammation, is associated with severe CRS and may serve as an indicator of poor treatment outcome (, , , ). However, it’s essential to note that CRP is a non-specific inflammatory marker and its elevation can be associated with other conditions such as infection, trauma, or autoimmune activity. Thus, CRP alone without consideration of other clinical parameters cannot provide a conclusive interpretation. Moreover, the chemokines represent positive prognostic biomarkers, enhancing tumor targeting by increasing the CAR T cell homing to tumor sites (, ). Therefore, these biomarkers offer significant insights into the mechanisms affecting CAR T cell therapy outcomes, facilitating improved prediction of treatment efficacy and potential adverse effects, which is vital for optimizing patient management and enhancing prognoses ().

2.2 Challenges

The widespread use of CAR T-cell therapy is impeded by major clinical and translational challenges despite recent advances. As with all therapeutic agents, CAR T-cell therapy entails some risk of adverse events like CRS, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, and B-cell aplasia (31). The ratio of therapeutic benefit to over-immunosuppression remains finely poised in autoimmune disorders; this is important considering that the patient cohort may often already be immunocompromised (32). The logistical complexity of CAR T-cell therapy, which entails leukapheresis, ex vivo T-cell modification, expansion, and reinfusion, makes the therapy extremely costly and time-consuming, raising ethical and economic concerns regarding access (). Furthermore, patient-specific characteristics such as baseline immune profiles, autoantibody specificity, or markers of T-cell exhaustion can have strikingly variable influences on treatment outcomes. Currently, these factors are poorly characterized, creating uncertainty in the clinic and complicating trial design.

2.3 Future directions

One potential avenue involves generating universal or “off-the-shelf” CAR T cells using CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing techniques to create allogeneic T cells that lack endogenous T-cell receptors and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) to prevent graft-versus-host disease and host rejection (33, 34). Furthermore, modifying naturally occurring regulatory T cells (Tregs) to express CARs with specificity for a given antigen is being investigated as a new approach in CAR therapy. This approach, currently under investigation for autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes (T1D) and Crohn’s disease, aims not to eliminate immune targets but to suppress pathological immune activation and restore tolerance as a novel immunomodulatory strategy (35). To enhance safety, engineered “suicide switches” such as inducible caspase-9 (iCasp9) are incorporated into CAR constructs, allowing for rapid ablation of the therapy in the event of severe toxicity (36, 37). Moreover, machine learning algorithms are utilized to categorize patients according to predictive biomarkers of therapeutic response or adverse events. These models utilize multi-omics information, encompassing genomes, transcriptomics, and proteomics, to inform tailored therapy decisions (3840). However, these new paradigms will not be validated until they demonstrate their value with regard to numerous, heterogeneous populations with longitudinal follow-up as well.

3 Bispecific antibodies for immune modulation

bsAbs are engineered molecules that can simultaneously engage 2 distinct targets, providing a unique mechanism of action that modulates immune responses more precisely than traditional monoclonal antibodies (41). This dual-targeting capability allows bsAbs to precisely target disease-relevant cells or pathways, reducing off-target effects and minimizing systemic immunosuppression. By engaging multiple targets, bsAbs can mitigate the development of resistance mechanisms that often compromise the effectiveness of single-target therapies (42, 43). This versatility of bsAbs can enable either immune suppression or immune redirection and thereby represents a major step forward in immunomodulatory therapy.

3.1 Breakthroughs

Several in vivo preclinical studies have demonstrated the potential of a bsAb designed to target both CD20 on B cells and CD3 on T cells in treating various autoimmune diseases, with promising results in terms of efficacy and safety (44, 45). This bsAb aims to deplete autoreactive B cells while simultaneously modulating T cell activity. The efficacy of Mosunetuzumab was assessed utilizing a humanized CD20/CD3 mouse model and an immune reconstitution model in NSG mice transplanted with human CD34+ cells. These studies have demonstrated the proof of concept for the application of CD20/CD3 bispecific antibody therapy in the treatment of autoimmune disorders. Mosunetuzumab exhibited a promising safety profile in SLE patients, characterized by only minor side effects and the absence of dose-limiting toxicities. Initial clinical findings, including as decreases in disease activity and autoantibody levels, together with B-cell depletion and T-cell activation, warrant further exploration of Mosunetuzumab as a prospective treatment for SLE (46). Moreover, Imvotamab, a CD20/CD3 bispecific antibody, is being explored for the treatment of refractory autoimmune diseases like RA and SLE due to its ability to deplete B cells with reduced cytokine release (45).

Furthermore, A study demonstrated the first use of blinatumomab, a bispecific anti-CD3/CD19 antibody, as a B-cell depletion therapy for systemic sclerosis, revealing profound B-cell depletion with no increase in infection risk, along with an improvement in clinical manifestations (47). However, this reflects a single case study, and the finding remains preliminary; thus, further investigations and studies should explore and confirm these findings.

bsAbs offer mechanistic advantages over monoclonal antibodies by enabling simultaneous modulation of multiple immune pathways (48). For example, a bispecific construct that targets TNF-α and IL-17A has been demonstrated to suppress both TNF-α and IL-17A, resulting in decreased inflammation in animal models, thus supporting its potential role as a therapeutic agent for RA (49). In a rheumatoid arthritis clinical trial, ABT-122, a bispecific antibody targeting TNF-α and IL-17, was shown to reduce the chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL23, and E-selectin, which are involved in the recruitment of T cells and/or myeloid cells, suggesting that ABT-122 may influence the trafficking of immune cell populations (50, 51).

In the context of T1D, a bsAb targeting both cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) on T cells and Glucose Transporter Type 2 (GLUT2) on pancreatic β cells has shown potential in preserving β-cell function. By binding to GLUT2 on pancreatic cells and interacting with CTLA-4 on autoreactive T cell, it can promote tolerance and delay the onset of diabetes without apparent adverse effects, thus providing a potential therapeutic strategy for T1D (52). This dual-targeting strategy aims to modulate the autoimmune response specifically against β cells while promoting immune tolerance, offering a novel approach to modifying disease progression in T1D. Additionally, a current phase 2 clinical trial is evaluating the safety and efficacy of SAR442970 a bsAb targeting both TNF-α and OX40L in preserving pancreatic β-cell function in individuals recently diagnosed with T1D (NCT06812988). SAR442970 act by inhibiting TNF-α and OX40L, while TNF-α promote inflammation, OX40L interacts with the OX40 receptor on T cells, promoting their activation and survival. By blocking these two pathways, SAR442970 aims to reduce excessive immune activation and inflammation. Additionally, a limited number of other clinical trials are also in progress (Table 2).

Table 2

Clinical trial no.DrugTargetConditionsPhasesStudy status
NCT06900010CM336BCMA and CD3 Bispecific AntibodyAutoimmune Bullous DiseasePhase1
Phase2
Recruiting
NCT06647069DR-0201CD20 and
Dectin-1
Bispecific Antibody
SLE (Systemic Lupus), CLE Cutaneous Lupus,
Sjögren Syndrome, Primary Sjögren Syndrome, Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis Scleroderma, SSc, Diffuse Sclerosis, dcSSc, Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Phase1Recruiting
NCT06975787VonsetamigTNFRSF17/CD269
and CD3
Bispecific Antibody
Lupus Nephritis (LN)Phase1Not Yet Recruiting
NCT07010835YK012CD19 and CD3
Bispecific Antibody
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)Phase1
Phase2
Not Yet Recruiting
NCT06799611CM336BCMA and CD3 Bispecific AntibodyImmune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)Phase2Recruiting
NCT06181786IMB-101OX40L
and TNF-α
Bispecific Antibody
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)Phase1Not Yet Recruiting
NCT06982729YK012CD19 and CD3
Bispecific Antibody
Primary Membranous NephropathyPhase1Recruiting
NCT07000292MSC303CD20 and CD3
Bispecific Antibody
Lupus Nephritis (LN), ANCA-Associated GlomerulonephritisPhase1
Phase2
Not Yet Recruiting
NCT06812988SAR442970TNF-α and OX40LType 1 Diabetes MellitusPhase 2Recruiting

Bispecific antibodies currently in clinical trials for autoimmune diseases.

3.2 Challenges

While bsAbs are designed to target CD3 and activate T cells toward autoreactive immune cells, uncoordinated CD3 engagement can overactivate T cells, resulting in excessive cytokine release (CRS) and tissue injury (53). It is noteworthy that while the most common adverse event associated with bsAbs is related to CRS, yet, it is typically milder than seen with CAR T-cell therapy (44). While early data on autoimmune conditions like SLE showed a favorable safety profile and temporary lymphocyte reduction, further studies are required to investigate the safety after long-term B cell depletion and its potential adverse events (44). Furthermore, safety and effectiveness of bsAbs depend on overcoming a number of significant challenges related to designing and manufacturing these bsAbs. For instance, the diverse molecular formats make manufacturing and purification more difficult, and their structural complexity lowers stability and raises the possibility of chain mispairing. It is also challenging to tune effector functions, ensure favorable pharmacokinetics, and achieve the proper binding balance for both targets (54). In addition, autoimmune diseases are massively heterogeneous; hence, the question of which pairs of antigens would form appropriate targets uniformly relevant across diverse populations of patients remains open. The lack of clear regulatory pathways for the use of bsAbs further adds to the complexities in introducing them into early human clinical studies. Despite the FDA’s guidance for bispecific antibodies in oncology, trial design is hampered by this regulatory gap, especially when it comes to defining safety margins, chronic dosing schedules, and patient comorbidities (55). Autoimmune patients often present with comorbidities and may be on concurrent immunosuppressive therapies. These factors complicate safety assessments and require tailored trial designs distinct from oncology protocols (42).

3.3 Future directions

Future innovation should be aimed at bsAbs that work on spatiotemporal control mechanisms for enhanced specificity and safety. With such approaches, conditionally active bsAbs may need inflammatory biomarkers or a particular tissue microenvironment to be activated (43). For example, pH-sensitive linkers or protease-activated formats are being researched to limit activity at the inflamed sites of joints or pancreatic islets (56). Such designs can provide safety against system toxicity as well as off-target effects for enhancement of the therapeutic index to a large extent. Furthermore, advancements in systems immunology and single-cell transcriptomics could allow for personalizing bsAb design according to patient immune signatures. Predictive models using artificial intelligence may better identify the possible antigen pairs for individual patients, thus paving the way for personalized bsAb therapy (57). Integrating these into modular bsAb platforms might allow for the fast adaptation of therapies for autoimmune conditions such as SLE, MS, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is limited follow-up data on safety, and the risk of immune activity, especially with non-human or chimeric domains, is still very much a concern (58). Future studies should investigate the establishment of biomarkers of durable tolerance induction and optimization criteria for dose regimens, as well as combinations with existing biologics or small molecules.

4 Next-generation checkpoint inhibitors

Inhibitory pathways, like programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), CTLA-4, and lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), are crucial for maintaining the balance of tolerance to self and prevention of autoimmune pathology through the inhibition of overactive T cells (59, 60)., Immune checkpoint blockade reinvigorates exhausted T cells and enhances anti-tumor immune responses. In cancer, checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., anti–PD-1, anti–CTLA-4) block inhibitory receptors to unleash T cells against tumors. In autoimmunity, therapies may activate checkpoint pathways (e.g., CTLA-4 agonists like abatacept) to dampen overactive immune responses and restore homeostasis (61). Immune checkpoints such as LAG-3, T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (Tim-3), T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), and V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) are emerging targets for immune modulation and restoring immune tolerance and have been the focus of many studies on autoimmune disease (Figure 2).

Figure 2

4.1 Breakthroughs

LAG-3 is an immune checkpoint receptor that inhibits T-cell activation, proliferation, and contributes to immune homeostasis. In autoimmune-prone animal models, genetic deletion or pharmacologic blockade of LAG-3 exacerbates disease severity, underscoring its immunoregulatory role (64). Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and T1D patients have a considerably low level of LAG-3+ CD4 and CD8 T cells. The low expression of LAG-3 has also been linked with T-cell resistance to apoptosis, promoting persistence of pathogenic T cells. These data suggest that LAG-3 agonists, by enhancing their inhibitory signaling, may be a promising target for restoring immune regulation in autoimmune conditions (65). Depending on the context of the disease, therapeutic approaches that target LAG-3 may involve either agonists or antagonists. Antagonists or depleting antibodies, like GSK2831781, are being studied to improve immune activity, while agonists may be investigated to suppress overactive immune responses in autoimmune diseases. GSK2831781, a monoclonal Ab targeting LAG-3 on activated T cells, can diminish LAG-3-expressing activated T cells in immuno-inflammatory conditions. Two clinical trials are assessing the safety and pharmacokinetics of GSK2831781 for the treatment of psoriasis (NCT03965533, NCT02195349). Another clinical trial was terminated in ulcerative colitis (NCT03893565) based on the assessment of clinical data, thus limiting the availability of this study’s safety and efficacy results. The preliminary data showed that GSK2831781 provides evidence of improvement in psoriasis; it has been shown to demonstrate the ability to downregulate the gene expression of IL-17A, IL-17F, IFNγ, and S100A12 (66). Additionally, the LAG-3 agonist IMP761 is being investigated in a Phase I clinical trial (NCT06637865) involving healthy volunteers but has not yet been tested in autoimmune patients (multiple sclerosis). These different approaches, agonism versus depletion, show how complicated LAG-3 biology is and how important it is to have disease-specific strategies for autoimmune therapy.

Tim-3, an immune checkpoint receptor that is highly expressed on immune cells and induces immunological tolerance by suppressing T cell activation and promoting apoptosis. Tim-3 and MHC-II dysregulation are associated with MS and other autoimmune diseases. Mechanistically, Tim-3 suppresses MHC-II–mediated autoantigen presentation and CD4+ T-cell activation by downregulating MHC-II expression in macrophages via the STAT1/CIITA signaling axis. In murine models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), overexpression of Tim-3 reduced MHC-II levels and ameliorated disease severity, while its inhibition led to increased MHC-II expression and worsened clinical outcomes. These findings suggest that targeted modulation of the Tim-3 and MHC-II pathway, potentially through Tim-3 agonists, may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for restoring immune tolerance in MS (67). A recent study showed that LPX3, a liposomal formulation that targets Tim-3 and Tim-4, can trigger immune tolerance without the need for an antigen. LPX3 demonstrated its potential to restore immune regulation by effectively penetrating lymph nodes, colocalizing with immune cells, and promoting regulatory T cells expansion. According to these results, LPX3 might be a possible treatment approach for autoimmune disorders that does not require the co-administration of particular antigens (68).

TIGIT is a newly identified co-inhibitory receptor, that modulates the immune system. CD226 promotes positive signals, whereas TIGIT transmits negative signals, forming a route comparable to the CD28/CTLA-4 signaling pathway (69). TIGIT can induce immunological tolerance by suppressing autoreactive T cells, increasing tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs), and encouraging the production and suppressive capacity of Tregs (70). Preclinical studies using a TIGIT-Ig fusion protein, agonist antibodies, and other modalities have demonstrated protective effects in murine models of autoimmune diseases, such as SLE (71) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (72). Beyond T and NK cells, TIGIT also influences regulatory B cells, which help dampen immune responses by inhibiting T cell activation and reducing pro-inflammatory DC activity (73). Although the role of TIGIT in B cells is less well characterized, emerging evidence suggests it may be central to autoimmune regulation. These findings position TIGIT as a promising candidate for immune checkpoint therapy in autoimmunity (73).

In a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, VISTA, a novel negative checkpoint receptor, functions as a negative immune regulator, thereby preventing excessive immune activation (74). In autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, MS, and RA, VISTA is essential for suppressing autoreactive T-cell responses, controlling monocyte and macrophage activation, and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17, IFN-γ, and IL-23. Research indicates that the deletion of VISTA increases inflammation, heightens immune cell infiltration, and exacerbates disease severity in the SLE animal model, hence affirming its protective function (75). In contrast, the activation of VISTA using agonist antibodies resulted in a reduction in inflammatory markers and an enhancement of clinical outcomes in many models, including lupus (76). The specific mechanisms differ among diseases; for instance, VISTA can modulate Th1/Th17 responses in MS and Toll-like receptor signaling in psoriasis. It has been reported that the use of VISTA blocking antibody in the EAE mouse model has increased the infiltration of IFN-γ+ and IL17A + producing CD4+ T cells in the central nervous system (CNS), exhibiting an activation of T cell-mediated immunity and loss of peripheral tolerance, thus increasing the susceptibility to EAE (77). On the Other side, in a model of psoriasis, VISTA-deficient dendritic cells are unable to adequately regulate the TLR7 pathway, which exacerbates IL-23/IL-17-driven skin inflammation (78). Therefore, its primary role is to preserve immunological equilibrium by regulating both adaptive and innate immune cells, thus underscoring its potential as a biomarker for immunological dysregulation. Despite these promising preclinical findings, no VISTA-targeted intervention has been authorized or progressed to clinical trials for autoimmune disorders, highlighting the promising opportunities for translational research to exploit its immunoregulatory capabilities (77).

4.2 Challenges

There are major obstacles to the therapeutic promise of next-generation checkpoint agonists. Of primary concern is the risk of extended immunosuppression, which may lead to opportunistic infections or malignancies in recipients (79). While preclinical models support efficacy, translating that efficacy to human autoimmune disease remains fraught with complexity due to heterogeneity in disease phenotype, complicating the prediction of patient responses and the identification of accurate biomarkers, such as TIGIT+ cell populations, for therapeutic monitoring (80). The dual functions of checkpoints, such as VISTA, which may be activated or downregulated according to the kind and stage of disease, complicate therapeutic targeting and necessitate meticulous, context-specific strategies (77). Moreover, although preclinical models have shown promising findings, the incomplete comprehension of the underlying mechanisms and off-target effects, as well as the potential for exacerbating immune dysregulation, limits the translation of these findings into effective and safe clinical therapies. Additionally, the interaction between co-inhibitory and co-stimulatory pathways (e.g., TIGIT/CD226) is complex and not entirely understood, complicating the development of medicines that optimize efficacy without inducing undesirable immune activation (73, 81). Furthermore, extended checkpoint activation may initiate the opposite of tolerance by exhausting Tregs or shifting antigen presentation dynamics, going against the original intent of therapy. Manufacturing agonistic antibodies with the correct affinity for binding, epitope specificity, and isotype to engage inhibitory receptors without inducing any off-target consequences further complicates the matter (82). Current biomarker panels also do not adequately predict patient outcomes, hampering the ability to personalize checkpoint-based therapies.

4.3 Future directions

Next-generation approaches, focusing on the tissue-restricted or cell-targeted delivery of checkpoint modulators, are being developed to tackle the above issues. Nanoparticle-based systems and antibody-drug conjugates are being evaluated for the localized delivery of PD-1 or CTLA-4 agonism to inflamed tissues such as pancreatic islets or synovial membranes to minimize systemic exposure (83). Synthetic biology is being investigated to develop checkpoint agonists engineered with logic gates to activate only in the presence of cytopathic cytokines or antigens. Another promising direction is the combination of immune repertoire sequencing with machine learning algorithms to stratify patients based on their chances of responding to checkpoint agonists. Subpopulations of autoreactive T cells that could display selective sensitivity to PD-1 or LAG-3 signaling might already have been distinguished through single-cell transcriptomics (84). Such predictive immune-profiling would allow for better selection of therapeutic targets with the mitigation of off-target immunosuppression. Despite current constraints, immune-checkpoint-modulating drugs appear to be an increasingly rational and viable new therapeutic option for autoimmune diseases. However, daunting empirical gaps concerning the expected long-term effects of chronic checkpoint engagement, durability of immune tolerance, and optimal design of checkpoint combinational therapy should be the focus of future research (81). Therefore, apart from proving efficacy, future clinical trials must generate robust biomarkers for safety and durability that allow personalized checkpoint immunomodulation.

5 Targeted cytokine therapies

Cytokines are considered key mediators in the immune system, regulating the recruitment, activation, and differentiation of various immune cells (85). Aberrant cytokine expression sometimes stimulates the persistent inflammation and tissue damage characterizing autoimmune diseases. Hence, a central strategy for treating autoimmune diseases has become targeting the specific cytokines modulating disease progression (86). While some of these therapies are already in clinical use, current research is further improving their specificity and enhancing their therapeutic reach.

5.1 Breakthroughs

Monoclonal antibodies targeting pro-inflammatory cytokines have revolutionized the treatment of autoimmune diseases, offering precision without broad immunosuppression. Among the most widely used are IL-6 inhibitors, such as tocilizumab and sarilumab, which have demonstrated clinical efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and giant cell arteritis (87). By blocking key drivers of autoimmune inflammation such as IL-6 signaling, these agents suppress acute-phase reactants (CRP, SAA, fibrinogen, etc), modulate B-cell activity, and inhibit Th17 cell differentiation (88). Building on this approach, IL-17A blockers (secukinumab, ixekizumab) and IL-23 inhibitors (guselkumab, risankizumab) have shown remarkable success in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. These cytokines are central to the Th17 axis, and their inhibition disrupts inflammatory circuits while preserving broader immune function (89). Monoclonal antibodies inhibit this axis and disrupt key inflammatory circuits without globally inhibiting the immune system. IFN-γ neutralization, although infrequently used, is beneficial in diseases such as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and has been investigated in autoimmune uveitis (Box 1) (90). In contrast to blocking inflammation, enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 represents a complementary strategy. While recombinant IL-10 has faced challenges due to poor pharmacokinetics and systemic toxicity, gene therapy and fusion protein delivery systems are being developed to enable localized, sustained release, potentially restoring immune balance without adverse effects (91, 92). Currently, several clinical trials are highlighting the translational progress of targeted cytokine therapy in autoimmune disorders (Table 3).

Box 1 FN-γ neutralization in primary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).

Primary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) results from a defect in cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells' abilities to kill infected cells by perforin-mediated cytotoxicity. The uncontrolled activation of CTL and NK cells increases cytokine production that, in turn, hyperactivates macrophages and induces cytokine storm, where IFN-γ plays a particularly key role in the development of HLH. Emapalumab is a monoclonal antibody that functions by neutralizing IFN-γ by blocking its activity. It helps to reduce the excessive inflammation and immune activation associated with HLH. This therapeutic approach highlights the potential of IFN-γ inhibitors (e.g., Emapalumab) in managing macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a severe complication of autoimmune diseases (89).

Table 3

Clinical trial no.InterventionTargetConditionsPhasesStudy status
NCT06663332GuselkumabIL-23Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Juvenile ArthritisPhase3Recruiting
NCT05083182Ustekinumab
Guselkumab
IL-12
IL-23
Juvenile ArthritisPhase3Recruiting
NCT06100744Adalimumab
Risankizumab
TNF-α
IL-23
Juvenile Psoriatic ArthritisPhase3Recruiting
NCT06843239TibulizumabBAFF
IL-17
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), SclerodermaPhase2Recruiting
NCT04589325IxekizumabIL-17Type 1 Diabetes MellitusPhase2Recruiting
NCT06255028CNTY-101,
IL-2,
Lymphodepleting Chemotherapy
CAR-iNK cell therapy, IL-2Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Lupus Nephritis, Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies, Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic SclerosisPhase1Recruiting
NCT05339217Telitacicept,
IL-2
Inhibit the activity of two target cytokines (BAFF, APRIL)Systemic Lupus ErythematosusPhase3Recruiting
NCT05631717Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,
IL-2
IL-2Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Lupus NephritisPhase3Recruiting
NCT06544330SYNCAR-001
STK-009
CD19-targeting CAR-T cell therapy, Orthogonal IL-2Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Lupus Nephritis, Systemic SclerosisPhase1Recruiting
NCT05153070Cyclosporin
ILT101
IL-2Type 1 DiabetesPhase2Recruiting
NCT06730126Soquelitinibinhibitor of IL2-inducible T-cell kinase (ITK).Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative SyndromePhase2Recruiting
NCT05428488Abatacept (W12-W48),
TNF Inhibitor (W12-W48),
TNF Inhibitor (W0-W12)
blocking T-cell co-stimulation
TNF inhibitor
Rheumatoid ArthritisPhase3Recruiting
NCT01793519Etanercept, Infliximab, AdalimumabTNF-αRheumatoid ArthritisPhase4Active
Not Recruiting
NCT04378621, TNF-α inhibitor OR JAK inhibitor,TNF-α
JAK inhibitor
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Pain, Fatigue, Cognitive Decline, Depression, Brain Diseases, Hand RheumatismN/AActive
Not Recruiting
NCT04870203Baricitinib treatment, anti-TNF therapy,JAK inhibitor.
TNF-α
Rheumatoid ArthritisPhase3Recruiting
NCT06653634Methotrexate,
TNF Inhibitor
DHFR
TNF inhibitor
Juvenile Idiopathic ArthritisPhase4Recruiting
NCT03227419Tocilizumab AbataceptIL-6 receptor (IL-6R) blocker.
blocking T-cell co-stimulation
Rheumatoid ArthritisPhase4Recruiting
NCT06812988SAR442970Anti-CD40L monoclonal antibodyType 1 Diabetes MellitusPhase2Recruiting
NCT05306353VIB4920 with TNFi, VIB4920 without TNFiCD40L
TNF
Rheumatoid ArthritisPhase2Recruiting
NCT05814627Upadacitinib, Adalimumab,Selective JAK1 inhibitorRheumatoid ArthritisPhase3Active
Not Recruiting
NCT06440629Therapeutic monitoring (TDM) of adalimumabRheumatoid ArthritisPhase4Recruiting
NCT06175338Rituximab, MabThera®CD20Rheumatoid ArthritisPhase1Active
Not Recruiting
NCT03976245Etanercept,
Tofacitinib
TNF-α
JAK inhibitor
Rheumatoid ArthritisPhase4Recruiting
NCT03152058Certolizumab PegolTNF-αHigh Risk Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications, Antiphospholipid Syndrome in Pregnancy, Lupus Anticoagulant DisorderPhase2Recruiting
NCT06100744Adalimumab, RisankizumabTNF-α
IL-23
Juvenile Psoriatic ArthritisPhase3Recruiting
NCT02629159Adalimumab, UpadacitinibTNF-α
JAK1 inhibitor.
Rheumatoid ArthritisPhase3Active
Not Recruiting
NCT03414502Methotrexate, Abatacept, Adalimumab, Azathioprine, Baricitinib, Certolizumab, Etanercept, Golimumab, Hydroxychloroquine, Infliximab, Leflunomide, Minocycline, Rituximab, Sarilumab, Sulfasalazine, TofacitinibDHFR
CD80/CD86
TNF-α
Purine synthesis
JAK inhibitor
TLR-7, TLR-9
DHODH
CD20
IL-6R
Rheumatoid ArthritisPhase3Recruiting
NCT06527534Filgotinib, AdalimumabJAK1 inhibitor
TNF-α
Rheumatoid ArthritisPhase4Recruiting
NCT04527380Ixekizumab, AdalimumabIL-17A
TNF-α
Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis, Enthesitis Related ArthritisPhase3Active
Not Recruiting
NCT05305066TNFi, Anti-IL6, JAKiTNF-α
IL-6
JAK
Rheumatoid ArthritisN/ARecruiting
NCT05626348Iguratimod, Methotrexate, Adalimumab Injection, Leflunomide, HydroxychloroquineNF-κB
DHFR
TNF-α
DHODH
Rheumatoid ArthritisPhase4Recruiting
NCT04909801Abatacept, Adalimumab, MethotrexateCD80/CD86
TNF-α
DHFR
Rheumatoid ArthritisPhase3Active
Not Recruiting

Cytokine based therapy currently in clinical trials for autoimmune diseases.

BAFF, B-cell activation factor; APRIL, A proliferation-inducing ligand; DHFR, dihydrofolate reductase; DHODH, dihydroorotate dehydrogenase.

5.2 Challenges

While cytokine-targeted therapies have proved effective, they come with significant downsides. A major reason is cytokine redundancy, wherein, since most cytokines have overlapping functions, blockade of a single cytokine leads to the compensatory upregulation of parallel pathways (93). For example, some IL-17 inhibitors result in disease activity reoccurrence in patients due to increased levels of IL-22, GM-CSF, or both, but all maintain inflammatory circuits independently. On the other hand, the long-term inhibition of cytokines leads to certain symptoms and effects caused by immunosuppression, such as increased susceptibility to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections (94). Patients treated with IL-6 blockade, for instance, may fail to show symptoms of an infection because fever and CRP production are suppressed, impeding diagnosis and treatment (95). Some cytokines may also have double functions depending on the tissue context; for example, IL-17 has a role in mucosal defense against several Candida species, and its inhibition is associated with mucocutaneous candidiasis (96). The diverse nature of autoimmune diseases means that cytokine profiles vary greatly across patients and even over time in the same patient. Therefore, applying the same set of single-cytokine blockers in every instance is not a valid approach, indicating that better tools for stratification, as well as dynamic biomarkers, are required (97).

5.3 Future directions

The above barriers have led to multifunctional approaches to next-generation cytokine therapies. Dual-cytokine inhibitors that target 2 cytokines synergistically are an interesting tool. An example is bimekizumab, which inhibits IL-17A and IL-17F, leading to superior efficacy over IL-17A blockade alone in psoriasis and spondyloarthropathies (98). Co-inhibition of IL-12 and IL-23 (e.g., ustekinumab) in Crohn’s disease and psoriasis modulates both Th1 and Th17 pathways. Another innovation aimed at enhancing specificity and reducing immunogenicity involves cytokine traps or engineered receptor decoys that sequester cytokines (99). Examples are rilonacept, an IL-1 trap used in autoinflammatory syndromes, and newer constructs targeting IL-6 and GM-CSF. Some cytokine traps are designed with altered Fc regions or joined ligands to enhance their half-life and improve tissue targeting (100). Synthetic receptors for cytokines under development can be engineered to switch pro-inflammatory signals into tolerogenic ones or restrict cytokine activity to defined tissues or cell types (101). For example, IL-2 variants engineered to preferentially expand Tregs while sparing effector T cells and NK cells are in late-stage clinical development for T1D and lupus (102). Advances in systems immunology and machine learning will play a transformative role in identifying cytokine signatures that predict therapeutic response. By integrating transcriptomics, proteomics, and spatial mapping of immune networks, cytokine therapy regimens can be tailored to each patient and their effects dynamically monitored.

6 Microbiome-based therapy

Microbiome-based therapy has recently become a promising approach in immunotherapy. The human gut microbiome is a major regulator of immune function. The microorganisms that populate the gastrointestinal tract greatly influence immune development, tolerance, and responsiveness (103). Imbalances in gut microbiota (dysbiosis) have been increasingly correlated with the etiology of several autoimmune diseases, including SLE (104), IBD, MS, T1D, and RA, leading an interest in microbiome-related therapies that seek to restore microbial balance and, accordingly, immune homeostasis (105). Dysbiosis has been shown to be correlated with the production of autoantibodies (106) and its effects are mediated by Th17/Treg balance, gut barrier integrity, and dietary interactions. While it is closely linked to B-cell differentiation, autoantibody production, and systemic immune responses in autoimmune diseases like SLE, RA, Graves’ disease, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a direct cause-and-effect relationship is not firmly established across all conditions. Additionally, microbial metabolites, such as SCFAs, have been identified as important modulators of T-cell function and immune responses (107). Thus, microbiome-based immunotherapy has been extensively investigated for autoimmune disease treatment.

6.1 Breakthroughs

Probiotics and prebiotics are interventions designed to modulate immune responses through dietary measures. Preclinical studies that include animal models and in vitro studies demonstrated the ability of probiotics, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium longum, and Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae, to induce changes in the expansion of Tregs, reduce IL-6 and TNF-α as pro-inflammatory cytokines production, and restore mucosal barrier integrity (108, 109). What these measures imply is the influence that commensal microbes can have on systemic immune responses. In animal studies, dietary fibers (such as inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides) improved regulatory immunological responses (such as the growth of Tregs) and decreased disease severity. They also raised the number of beneficial SCFA-producing bacteria (110). Acetate and butyrate contribute to suppressing pro-inflammatory responses, while butyrate and propionate are especially crucial for promoting Treg differentiation through epigenetic regulation. These metabolites demonstrate how important gut microbial products are in regulating the immune balance of the host (111).

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) now shows great promise in autoimmune contexts, particularly in ulcerative colitis (UC) (112). Multiple randomized controlled clinical trials have illustrated that FMT can induce clinical and endoscopic remission in patients with UC; the response rates correlated with increased microbial diversity, along with the enrichment of beneficial taxa, such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia muciniphila (113, 114). Preclinical studies investigating immune response following the transfer of healthy microbiota demonstrated a reduction in inflammation in RA and MS animal models. Moreover, FMT from healthy donors increased insulin sensitivity and delayed the onset of T1D in an animal model. A similar positive outcome was demonstrated with SLE, showing a decrease in autoantibody production and improvement in kidney function (115). Hence, several up-to-date clinical trials are actively investigating the therapeutic potential of the microbiome in the management of autoimmune diseases (Table 4).

Table 4

Clinical trial no.InterventionConditionsPhasesStudy status
NCT04924270FMTRheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Pulmonary Sarcoidosis, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative ColitisPhase2Recruiting
NCT03594487FMT of FMP30 Donor StoolRelapsing Remitting Multiple SclerosisPhase1Active Not Recruiting
NCT05790356FMTRheumatoid Arthritis, Fecal Microbiota TransplantationN/ARecruiting
NCT04096443FMTMultiple SclerosisEarly Phase1Active Not Recruiting
NCT06496412FMTType 1 DiabetesN/ARecruiting
NCT04014413FMTCrohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Functional Dysphonia, Constipation, Clostridium Difficile Infection, Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Multi Resistant Infection, Hepatic Encephalopathy, Multiple Sclerosis, Pseudo-Obstruction, Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infection, Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci Infection, Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome, Dysbiotic Bowel Syndrome, MRSA Enteritis, Pseudomembranous Enterocolitis, Alopecia, Autism, Graft-versus-host Disease, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, Atopy or Allergy, Liver Disease, Alcohol Dependence, Psoriatic ArthropathyN/ARecruiting
NCT07083882Freeze dried autologous encapsulated FMTType 1 Diabetes (T1D), Fecal Microbiota Therapy (FMT)Phase2Recruiting

Microbiome-based therapy currently in clinical trials for autoimmune diseases.

FMT, Fecal microbial transplant.

6.2 Challenges

Microbiome-based therapies face several major obstacles. The predominant obstacle constitutes individual variation, wherein every person has a unique microbial fingerprint shaped by genetics, environment, diet, and antibiotic use. Thus, some therapies may work for an individual or cohort but be useless, or worse, harmful, to another (116). Furthermore, FMT lacks standardization on donor selection, preparation, administration routes, and dosing frequency. This heterogeneity hampers reproducibility and raises safety concerns, like the potential transfer of opportunistic pathogens or undesirable metabolic characteristics (117, 118). Although screening protocols have improved, rare but severe adverse events, as well as the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms, have triggered the FDA to intensify its controls. The mechanistic basis of microbiome-immune interactions is complex and not completely appreciated. Microbes affect immunity through different means, such as short-chain fatty acid production, changes in antigen-presenting cells, modulation of epithelial tight junctions, and interactions with pattern-recognition receptors (119). This issue is rendered even more complicated by the dynamic nature of the microbiome, which hinders persistence over time. Changes in diet, stress, sickness, or antibiotic consumption can drive a drastic shift in the community, compromising or entirely reversing previous benefits (120, 121).

6.3 Future directions

The future of microbiome therapeutics is in precision modulation interventions targeted to the individual’s specific microbial and immunological landscape. Next-generation sequencing and metagenomic profiling allow for the deep characterization of microbial communities and their functional potential and the identification of dysbiosis biomarkers and predictive response signatures (122). Currently, with the help of CRISPR-Cas systems, the idea is to edit bacterial genomes in the gut, thus allowing in situ reprogramming of the microbiome without the need to introduce foreign microbes into the environment. CRISPR-guided antimicrobials can kill pathogenic and pro-inflammatory strains while leaving beneficial commensals intact. However, gene insertion may enable the expression of immunostimulatory molecules by endogenous microorganisms (123). Synthetic biology is also accelerating the development of LBPs for sensing environmental cues and the controlled, tissue-specific release of therapeutic agents. Smart probiotics engineered to detect inflammation and respond by producing IL-10 or retinoic acid are part of this picture. Finally, computational modeling and machine learning are applied to simulate host-microbe interactions and predict treatment responses (124). By integrating all microbiome-initiated datasets on the genetic, dietary, and immune fronts, these tools will allow for the rational design of patient-specific microbiome therapies with optimized efficacy and safety.

7 Conclusion

Immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases is undergoing a transition, shifting from immunosuppression to immune modulation. This trend can be observed in the advanced fields of CAR T-cell therapy, bsAbs, checkpoint agonists, cytokine targeting, and microbiome interventions, which reflect a new system of rapid change in therapeutics. Each has distinct advantages but presents challenges to safety, cost, scale, or regulatory approval. The future integration of such therapies into certified care as they advance in preclinical and clinical studies will depend on interdisciplinary research, technological refinements, and personalized approaches concerning patients’ various immune profiles (Figure 3). The future of autoimmune disease treatment will hinge on a personalized, multifaceted approach that incorporates immune modulation, tolerance establishment, and tissue regeneration.

Figure 3

Statements

Author contributions

MA: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft.

Funding

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Conflict of interest

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Summary

Keywords

autoimmunity, immunotherapy, CAR T-cells, bispecific antibodies, checkpoint modulators, cytokine therapy, microbiome interventions

Citation

Alsayb MA (2025) Innovations in immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases: recent breakthroughs and future directions. Front. Immunol. 16:1647066. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1647066

Received

14 June 2025

Accepted

29 August 2025

Published

17 September 2025

Volume

16 - 2025

Edited by

Seng-Lai Tan, TFC Therapeutics, United States

Reviewed by

Mattia Moratti, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy

Selene Nunez-Cruz, University of Pennsylvania, United States

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: May A. Alsayb,

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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