CART4-34

CART4-34 is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy specifically designed to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It targets B cells expressing the immunoglobulin heavy variable 4-34 (IGHV4-34) gene, which are highly enriched and associated with SLE severity. By selectively depleting these pathogenic IGHV4-34+ B cells, CART4-34 aims to reduce autoantibody production and disease activity without causing broad B-cell aplasia or hypogammaglobulinemia, which are common side effects of pan B-cell targeting therapies like CART19. The therapy was developed using the 9G4 rat monoclonal antibody and features an optimized shorter CAR hinge domain (G4S hinge [5aa]) to enhance immune synapse formation and activity.