RESEARCH AREAS
Next-Generation CAR NK Therapies for Solid Tumors
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cells are a promising platform for cancer immunotherapy, but their effectiveness in solid tumors is limited by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and tumor heterogeneity. We engineer next-generation CAR NK cells to overcome these barriers in pancreatic and liver cancers. Current research focuses on developing genetic engineering strategies to enhance NK cell function within hostile tumor environments and improve targeting of the diverse antigen profiles found across and within tumors.
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Engineering Strategies for Endogenous NK Cell Activation
Given the high costs associated with ex vivo manufacturing of cell-based therapies, we are developing technologies to harness the body’s own NK cells for therapeutic benefit without the need for extensive manufacturing protocols. By employing lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), nucleic acid engineering, and targeted protein therapeutics, we aim to achieve precise spatiotemporal control of endogenous NK cell activity to effectively target and eliminate cancer cells, with a current focus on primary and secondary liver malignancies.
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CAR NK Cells for Non-Malignant Disease
CAR NK cells offer a favorable clinical safety profile compared with other cellular immunotherapies, making them attractive for applications beyond cancer. Together with collaborators, we explore how engineered NK cells can be used to treat non-malignant diseases, including inflammatory and fibrotic disorders of the heart, liver, and nervous system.
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Allogeneic Cell Therapy and Transplant Tolerance
A major challenge in allogeneic cell therapy and organ transplantation is rejection by the recipient immune system. Our laboratory develops genetic engineering strategies to reduce immune recognition of donor-derived cellular therapies, including CAR NK cells, to improve persistence and therapeutic durability. We also investigate novel approaches to induce immune tolerance in solid organ transplantation, with a particular focus on liver transplantation, with the goal of reducing long-term dependence on immunosuppressive drugs.
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