Beau R Webber

Beau R Webber serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the University of Minnesota, where he leads innovative research at the intersection of genome engineering and cellular therapeutics. His work focuses on developing CRISPR/Cas9-based immunotherapies for pediatric cancers and immune disorders, with significant contributions to T cell and NK cell engineering.

Dr. Webber's research program centers on precision genome editing for cancer immunotherapy, specializing in multiplex base editing, non-viral engineering of primary immune cells, and allogeneic CAR-T/NK cell development. His laboratory pioneers techniques for targeted integration of large DNA constructs and cytokine-induced modifications to enhance tumor targeting while minimizing off-tumor effects. Current investigations span pediatric solid tumors, autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, and genetic disorders including Fanconi anemia and Artemis-deficient SCID.

Recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward clinical translation, with emphasis on manufacturing CRISPR-engineered cell products for gastrointestinal cancers, prostate carcinoma, and ovarian carcinoma. His work bridges fundamental genome editing mechanics with practical therapeutic applications, particularly through Defense Department-funded projects developing dual-targeted gamma delta CAR-T cells for metastatic cancers.

Dr. Webber actively collaborates with Dr. Moriarity and Dr. Weigel on 40+ funded projects, including multiple active Department of Defense initiatives targeting pediatric malignancies and solid tumors. His research group maintains strong partnerships with the Center for Genome Engineering and Transplant and Cellular Therapy program at the University of Minnesota, driving innovations from bench to bedside.

The laboratory operates within the university's Transplant and Cellular Therapy infrastructure, utilizing advanced genome editing platforms to develop next-generation cellular immunotherapies. Current efforts focus on armored dual-targeting CAR constructs with split costimulatory domains for epithelial ovarian carcinoma and multiplex-edited T cells for autoimmune disease applications.