ImmunoEngineering and Cell Manufacturing: The Next Frontiers in Biomedical Nano/Microtechnologies

Abstract

Advanced biomanufacturing of therapeutic cells and engineering of the immune system in health and diseases are two emerging and intersecting areas in biomedical engineering. In this talk, I will provide a broad overview of this field, especially from a perspective of a biomaterials scientist working in the nano/microtechnology domains. I will highlight our lab’s work on modulation of the immune system for vaccines and immunotherapies as well as our work on biomanufacturing of therapeutic immune cells. Specifically, we will focus on how new nano/micro technologies and nano/microscale properties play a key role in modulating immune cell responses to vaccine adjuvants and how materials and bioengineering concepts can be used to manufacture therapeutic T and B cells. In addition, I will discuss Georgia Tech’s effort on team science in both of these areas – especially focusing on a new NSF Engineering Research Center for Cell Manufacturing Technologies (CMaT).