The Majzner Laboratory develops and tests novel immunotherapies for children and adults with cancer. We utilize insights into basic T cell signaling biology to engineer smarter CAR T cells, capable of enhanced activity and specificity. We also work to uncover the immunobiology of cancer targets such as the ganglioside GD2, improving our understanding of immunotherapy resistance and enabling us to overcome therapeutic challenges. Finally, we translate new therapies to the clinic, designing studies that can test clinical hypotheses and performing deep correlative work that feeds back into the laboratory.
CAR T cells have revolutionized the treatment of certain hematologic malignancies, but have not yet mediated substantial benefit in patients with solid tumors. To develop CARs that are safer and more effective for solid tumors, the Majzner Laboratory has developed new receptors that differ substantially in their structure from those that have been studied for the last thirty years. By studying how CAR T cells propagate their internal signals, we have co-opted molecules from inside the cell to alter the efficacy and specificity of these powerful therapeutics.
GD2 is a sugar expressed on the surface of tumor cells in certain childhood cancers. Pediatric oncologists have been targeting GD2 for more than twenty years, but little is understood about its role or regulation. We discovered that GD2 is capable of suppressing immune function, explaining why tumors might express this molecule on their surface. We have also begun to unravel how GD2 is regulated, an advance that allows us to use anti-GD2 therapies to target a multitude of cancers.
As a practicing pediatric oncologist, Dr. Majzner is dedicated to bringing forward early phase clinical trials of immunotherapies in children. This allows us to iterate as we rapidly test new therapies, performing correlative studies that inform future approaches in the laboratory.
The Majzner Lab is Growing!
January 2024About a month ago, we welcomed Xin Du, who came a jaw-dropping 10,085 mi, all the way from Sydney, Australia to the Majzner Lab in Boston, MA!
And next week on January 29th, we will welcome Kevin Lu, who has come halfway across the world, from Essen, Germany, to the Majzner Lab!
Welcome to the Majzner Lab, Wonju and Maria!
November 2023They’ve both trekked and moved a staggering 3,134.6 miles to get here and continue working with the lab! Thus, we’re thrilled and honored to have them join and keep working with us over here on the East Coast.
Majzner Lab is moving!
September 2023The Majzner Laboratory is moving to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as of September, 2023! Dr. Majzner will serve as Director of the Pediatric & Young Adult Cancer Cell Therapy Program.
