Sm-Tregs

Sm-Tregs are autologous, genetically engineered regulatory T cells designed to express a T cell receptor (TCR) that specifically recognizes a Smith (Sm) antigen epitope associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis. The TCR is identified from anti-Sm and HLA-DR15-positive SLE patients. Sm-Tregs are produced by lentiviral transduction of patient-derived Tregs to express the Sm-specific TCR, conferring targeted immunosuppressive activity against pro-inflammatory, Sm-specific autoimmune responses. In preclinical models, Sm-Tregs suppress disease activity and progression in humanized mice with lupus nephritis, demonstrating selective inhibition of autoimmunity with minimal impact on healthy immune function. This approach exemplifies antigen-specific TCR-Treg cell therapy, with expansion potential to other HLA-associated autoimmune diseases.

Other names

Smith-specific TregsSmith-specific regulatory T cellsSm-specific regulatory T cellsSm-specific Tregs