Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago
Leader, CARENT Therapy Platform
Prof. Alexander McLellan is a leading immunologist specializing in cancer immunotherapy, immune cell engineering, and host-pathogen interactions. He is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Otago, where he conducts pioneering research on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell therapies. His work focuses on harnessing the power of the immune system to develop novel treatments for cancer and infectious diseases, aiming to improve the effectiveness of cell-based therapies in clinical applications.
At the forefront of immunotherapy research, Prof. McLellan leads the CARENT Therapy Platform, which focuses on vector design, gene transfer, and process development for CAR-enabled NK and T cell therapies. His team is dedicated to enhancing the precision and safety of these advanced immunotherapies, with the goal of making them more accessible and effective for cancer patients. His work integrates cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and cellular immunology, contributing to the next generation of therapeutic approaches.
His research also extends into immune regulation, antigen presentation, and T-cell activation, exploring how the immune system responds to both cancer cells and infectious agents. By understanding these mechanisms, he aims to develop more targeted immunotherapies that can overcome immune evasion strategies used by tumors and pathogens. His work has been widely recognized for its contributions to translational immunology, bridging fundamental research with clinical applications.
Prof. McLellan is also deeply committed to teaching and mentoring, supervising students and postdoctoral researchers in the fields of microbiology, immunology, and biomedical science. His expertise has shaped the development of future scientists, fostering innovation in cell-based immunotherapy and immune system modulation.
With his extensive background in immunotherapy, cell biology, and translational research, Prof. McLellan continues to advance the field of immune-based treatments for cancer and infectious diseases, positioning his work at the cutting edge of modern biomedical science.
