A groundbreaking study published on June 30, 2025, in the journal Cell introduces a novel treatment approach for autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, hepatitis, and multiple sclerosis, utilizing an engineered protein that targets T cells.

Conducted by scientists at NYU Langone Health in collaboration with institutions in China, this research has the potential to impact over 10 million Americans suffering from autoimmune disorders.

The study focuses on autoimmune disorders that, while manageable with current therapies, can lead to severe complications and even premature death.

T-cells, a critical component of the immune system, often mistakenly attack healthy cells in autoimmune diseases, necessitating innovative treatment strategies.

The new treatment, known as the LAG-3/TCR Bispecific T cell Silencer (BiTS), aims to reset the immune system to prevent it from attacking healthy tissues.

Researchers engineered the BiTS antibody, which effectively suppressed T cell responses and reduced tissue damage in mouse models of type 1 diabetes and hepatitis.

In experiments, BiTS treatment led to decreased T cell infiltration and liver damage in hepatitis models, and when administered preventively, it reduced the onset of symptoms in models of multiple sclerosis.

The research reveals that holding two protein signaling complexes on T cells closely together can effectively shut down those T cells, minimizing tissue damage without broadly weakening the immune system.

Unlike existing CAR T-cell therapies, which can weaken the immune system and cause severe side effects, this new antibody approach aims to regulate T-cell activity more safely.

Current treatments for autoimmune diseases often involve long-term use of medications that can lead to significant side effects such as swelling, weight gain, and osteoporosis.

The findings emphasize the potential for proximity-based therapeutic designs that could enhance immunotherapy effectiveness for autoimmune diseases, which currently lack effective treatments.

The study's authors include notable researchers from NYU and Chinese institutions, and the work was supported by several grants, including those from the NIH and the Judith and Stewart Colton Center for Autoimmunity at NYU.