Dr. Dan Kaufman
Dan S. Kaufman, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Division of Regenerative Medicine
Directory of Cell Therapy, UC San Diego
Research Profile | Clinical Profile
About the Lab
The Kaufman laboratory uses human pluripotent stem cells to understand the development of blood cells.
The aim is to use human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a resource to produce blood and immune cells (mainly natural killer cells) for new clinical applications for treatment of relapsed/refractory cancers — both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.
We are also working on production of blood cells (monocytes and macrophages) that can be used for tissue repair and regeneration.
Dr. Kaufman also provides clinical care for patients with hematological malignancies, with special interest in blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) and immune therapies.
About Our Research
Cell-based immunotherapies have gained considerable interest over the past few years.
Our lab utilizes hESCs and iPSCs to produce human immune cells, primarily focused on natural killer (NK) cell development. We have demonstrated the ability to routinely produce engineered iPSC-derived NK cells with improved anti-tumor activity by expression of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), stabilized CD16 expression and other enhancements.
These engineered iPSC-derived NK cells are now in clinical trials for treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory cancers. We also have projects to produce iPSC-derived macrophages that can be used both for anti-cancer therapies, as well as tissue repair and regeneration. Another area of interest is to use a CRISPR/Cas-based screening strategy to identify novel regulators of NK cell activity. Together, these projects will allow us to produce standardized, off-the-shelf, targeted immunotherapy to better treat and cure both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors that are refractory to current treatments.
Our People
Opportunities
BLOOD AND IMMUNE CELL NOVEL THERAPIES Fund
To support blood and immune cell novel therapies research. Research is being conducted by Dr. Dan Kaufman.
Contact Us
Lab Location
University of California, San Diego
Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine
2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive
La Jolla, CA 92037
Mailing Address
University of California, San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0695
La Jolla, CA 92093-0695
Phone Numbers
Office: 858-822-1777
Assistant: 858-246-5010
Lab:
858-246-1494
858-246-1579 (fax)
Clinic:
858-822-6600
858-822-6205 (fax)