New immune cell therapy for hard-to-treat nerve and brain autoimmune diseases

Plain-English translation of NCT06939166 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated December 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a new treatment called universal CAR T-cell therapy that uses your own immune cells—specially designed in the lab—to fight autoimmune diseases affecting your nerves and brain. The therapy targets two specific proteins (CD19 and BCMA) that are involved in these diseases. Researchers want to see if this treatment is safe and whether it can help people whose conditions haven't improved with standard medicines.

Some people with autoimmune nerve and brain diseases don't respond well to standard treatments or their symptoms come back. This medication is being studied because early research suggests it might help these patients by resetting their immune system in a new way.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years or older
you have been diagnosed with a nervous system autoimmune disease (such as neuromyelitis optica, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune encephalitis, or CIDP) that has not responded to or has returned despite standard treatment
you have specific B cells (immune cells) that can be detected in your blood
you are willing to use birth control or abstain from sex during the study and for at least 6 months after treatment (if you are of childbearing age)
you are able to commit to follow-up visits and are willing to sign an informed consent form

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a history of cancer within the past five years
you have serious allergies to medications
you have heart problems or weak heart function
you have active hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, or syphilis
you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding

What participation looks like

You would receive chemotherapy drugs to prepare your body, then receive one infusion of the new immune cells through an IV. The main study check-in happens 90 days after your infusion. You will need to follow up with the study team to monitor how you're doing and watch for any side effects from the treatment.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 7, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

China

Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin