Chemoenzymatic strategies for targeting autoreactive B cells
Autoimmune diseases arise when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. Autoreactive B cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of these diseases by producing autoantibodies that recognize self-antigens. Therefore, the targeting and elimination of autoreactive B cells have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. In our lab, we explore several chemical- and cell-based strategies to selectively deplete autoreactive B cells while leaving protective B cells untouched. In this talk, I will present our latest results on various targeting strategies to eliminate harmful cells using (enzyme) activatable prodrugs as well as engineered synthetic Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells.
