Treatment of Refractory Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Off-the-Shelf iPSC-derived Anti-CD19 CAR T-cell Therapy
Abstract format and assignment number: Oral presentation OP0032
Date: Wednesday 11th June 2025, 15:20
Presenting author: V Sandhu (USA)
This study explores an off-the-shelf anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy product (FT819) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells in patients with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus. Preliminary results from three patients demonstrate a favourable safety profile, rapid B-cell depletion, clinical improvement in lupus activity and no severe adverse events. FT819 shows promise for broader application in B-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, including lupus nephritis.
Inhibition of Interleukin-2-Inducible T Cell Kinase with Soquelitinib demonstrates efficacy in preventing lung damage in murine models of systemic sclerosis
Abstract format and assignment number: Poster POS0004
Date: Wednesday 11th June 2025, 15:48
Presenting author: G Boleto (Portugal)
This study investigates soquelitinib (SQL), a selective ITK inhibitor, in two mouse models of systemic sclerosis-associated lung fibrosis. SQL reduced Th2/Th17 cytokine activity, lung inflammation, fibrosis severity and pulmonary hypertension. Significant improvements were observed in histological scores, immune markers and right ventricular pressure. These findings support SQL’s potential as a novel T cell–targeted therapy for systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease, and justify further clinical evaluation.
Large scale gut microbiota study in treatment naïve spondyloarthritis patients reveals a shift toward B2 enterotype associated with cartilage damage
Abstract format and assignment number: Oral presentation OP0235
Date: Thursday 12th June 2025, 16:45
Presenting author: E Dumas (Belgium)
This study characterises gut microbiota alterations in treatment-naïve spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients, revealing a significant shift toward the dysbiotic B2 enterotype and loss of butyrate-producing bacteria. These microbial changes correlated with disease activity, rather than intestinal inflammation. Functional validation in gnotobiotic mice confirmed that the B2 enterotype exacerbates arthritis and cartilage damage, highlighting a pathogenic gut-joint axis and suggesting a microbial contribution to SpA pathogenesis.
The Synovial Cytokine Milieu Shapes Fibroblast-like synoviocyte-Immune Cell Interaction Driving Immune Cell Activation and Synovial Pathotype Development in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Abstract format and assignment number: Poster POS0241
Date: Friday 13th June 2025, 15:09
Presenting author: M Dellinger (Austria)
This study shows how cytokine-primed fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) influence immune cell activation and synovial pathotype development in rheumatoid arthritis. IFNγ-stimulated FLS promoted pro-inflammatory monocyte signatures associated with the lympho-myeloid pathotype. Using RNA sequencing and cell-cell interaction analysis, the study reveals that the synovial cytokine milieu, particularly IFNγ, shapes FLS-immune interactions, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for disease progression and treatment response.
Transcriptomic analysis of transgender adolescents undergoing gender-affirming sex hormone therapy reveals sex-specific mechanisms associated with female childhood-onset SLE
Abstract format and assignment number: Oral presentation OP0371
Date: Saturday 14th June 2025, 13:00
Presenting author: H Cross (UK)
This study explores how sex hormones and chromosomes influence immune gene expression in adolescent cis-female cSLE patients and transgender youth undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy. Overlapping transcriptomic changes suggest a hormone-driven inflammatory signature relevant to cSLE. Additionally, altered expression of X-linked non-coding RNAs like XIST implicates X chromosome inactivation in female cSLE pathogenesis. These findings highlight a complex interplay between hormonal and chromosomal factors in autoimmune risk.
Bohdana Doskaliuk
Bohdana is an Assistant Professor at Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University. Her PhD research focused on pulmonary involvement in systemic sclerosis and its potential correction.
Bohdana also actively contributes as a reviewer and editor. She serves as an associate editor for Rheumatology International and is an editorial board member for Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease and Rheumatology Advances in Practice. She is also affiliated with the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and the European Respiratory Society.
Bohdana is an EMEUNET Country Liaison Sub-Committee member.