Immune Cell Therapy for ALS Progresses to Clinical Trial Stage with Encouraging Results

Introduction

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative condition characterized by immune system dysregulation and elevated inflammation that contributes to the development of the disease. Recently, there have been some promising results from a study conducted by investigators at the Massachusetts General Hospital, which involved the use of immune cells to delay ALS onset and extend survival in mice, as well as reduce markers of inflammation in an individual with the disease.

Background

Previous research from Ruxandra F. Sîrbulescu’s group, an assistant professor of Neurology and co-corresponding author of the article, indicates that purified B cells can reduce inflammation and promote recovery in mice with skin or brain injuries. During the process of pligodraxis, the B cells adopt immunoregulatory and neuroprotective characteristics to promote the repair of damaged tissues in an injured environment.

Research Findings

In the latest research, the team assessed the effects of B-cell infusions in mice prone to ALS and in a person living with the disease. Repeated intravenous treatments of B cells from donor mice significantly delayed disease onset, extended survival, reduced cell death, and decreased a marker of neurodegeneration in mice. For the human patient, repeated infusions of donor B cells were safe and led to decreased levels of multiple inflammatory markers.

Novel Approach to ALS Treatment

This is the first study of its kind to apply B cells to the treatment of ALS, which sets up possibilities for a trial of this new treatment approach to this currently incurable disease.

Preparing for Clinical Trials

Dr. Mark C. Poznansky, MD, PhD, Director of the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, an attending physician in General and Transplant Infectious Diseases Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, and a professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, stated that this research is the first step towards a phase I clinical trial of the cell therapy for ALS, which is in the planning stage. The study demonstrated how B cell therapy worked in mice and that the approach was safe and feasible in a human. The US Food and Drug Administration gave permission for the trial and results were promising.

Conclusion

The use of immune cell therapy for the treatment of ALS shows promising results based on this study. While the findings provide hope for ALS patients, more extensive research is required before the treatment can be made available to the public. Nevertheless, researchers believe that the study could pave the way for new and innovative approaches to treating this incurable disease.

Originally Post From https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240710195325.htm

Immune Cell Therapy Shows Promise in Lab Models of ALS with Positive Results