One of our research focuses is to develop novel gene delivery strategies and evaluate their therapeutic potentials ranging from correction of inherent genetic deficiency to cancer and anti-HIV therapies. We are particularly interested in engineering lentiviral vectors derived from HIV-1 for targeted gene delivery because such vectors stably infect both dividing and non-dividing cells and are not subject to the silencing imposed on other viral vectors. We incorporate de novo the designed surface proteins into lentiviral vectors to direct viral particles to specific cells. In addition, we also attempt to engineer insect virus for targeted gene delivery. To date, we have demonstrated in the laboratory several viable approaches to achieve the goal of delivering genes to specific cell types.

Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) have the potential to serve as a renewable source to generate tissue-specific cells for various cell therapies. Genetically engineering hESC to differentiate into appropriate cell lineages could expand our ability to utilize stem cells for disease treatment. We are interested in genetically programming hESC to generate lymphocytes in cell culture system for adoptive cell therapy against cancer.

Another research focus in the laboratory is a large collaborative effort to use gene therapy for cancer treatment. The UCLA-CALTECH-CHLA-USC-UCONN Translational Program in Engineering Immunity was formed in late 2005 and is represented by 4 research universities, 9 academic departments, 2 gene therapy programs, 3 institutes and 3 cancer centers. The goal of this program is to focus a team of scientists from various disciplines to conduct translational research that will improve the care of patients. As one of members for this program, our group is working on viral vector engineering and T cell receptor engineering.