CRC 1526, Project A04: Selective B cell depletion in pemphigoid diseases by bispecific antibodies

Current treatment options for pemphigoid diseases (PDs) are unsatisfactory. In PD, autoantibodies induce tissue pathology and B cells are therefore central to PD pathogenesis. A04 will develop novel B cell-targeting bispecific T cell engagers that (i) deplete defined B cell populations or (ii) autoantigen-specific B cells by engagement of cytotoxic T cells. A04 will thus decipher the contribution of B cell populations (defined by the expression of single differentiation antigens / CD antigens) to PD pathogenesis and will implement novel and potentially curative treatment strategies in pre-clinical PD models.