Researcher Spotlight: Andrew Jallouk, MD, PhD

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a lifesaving treatment option for many patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma. Current CAR T-cell therapies are engineered from a patient’s own cells, which can be expensive and time consuming. Recent research has focused on the development of “off the shelf” CAR T-cell therapies made from healthy donor cells, though their use has been limited due to immune rejection. “My project tests a new strategy to prevent this rejection by specifically targeting the immune cells most responsible for it,” Dr. Jallouk explains. “The goal of my project is to improve the efficacy of healthy donor-derived CAR T-cell treatments in order to expand access for patients with lymphoma.”

Dr. Jallouk first became interested in a career in lymphoma research during his graduate and medical training at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, where he became fascinated by the potential of emerging engineered cellular therapies. As he began working with these novel therapies, he realized he was drawn not only to the innovative nature of treatment but also to the diverse nature of lymphoma. “I greatly enjoy working with patients to develop a treatment plan specific to their particular type of lymphoma,” he says. “My research project allows me to combine my interest in cell therapy with my desire to help patients with lymphoma and to translate my discoveries in the laboratory to improve care for patients with lymphoma.”

Dr. Jallouk’s research project supported by the Career Development Award is a direct extension of his work previously supported by the Foundation through the Lymphoma Scientific Research Mentoring Program, which he joined in 2023. “This program was an amazing experience that solidified my commitment to a career in lymphoma research,” he says. “I look forward to continuing my work with the Foundation during the period of this Award and beyond.”