Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare progressive immune-mediated disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that is characterized by progressive rigidity and painful spasms of predominantly axial and proximal limb muscles. The condition gradually worsens over time and left untreated, it can lead to permanent disability and in some cases, mortality.
B cells contribute to systemic autoimmunity and development of disease in several ways, most notably via cytokine production, antigen presentation and complement activation (via autoantibody production). In SPS, B cell involvement is supported by the presence of antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), which is widely expressed within the CNS, catalyzing the conversion of the excitatory neurotransmitter l-glutamate to the inhibitory GABA.
CAR-T therapy such as KYV-101 may be an effective treatment for SPS, by targeting these autoreactive B cells. Using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell technology, engineered T cells with receptors are designed to recognize and eliminate B cells, including those that produce GAD autoantibodies. This approach aims to intervene at the root of the autoimmune response, offering a precise and potentially transformative treatment for SPS. CAR-T cell therapy holds promise as a targeted and effective intervention, addressing the autoimmune component directly and potentially halting disease progression.
