Lili Yang

Dr. Lili Yang is a Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the California Institute of Technology (2004). Her research focuses on understanding immune system mechanisms in cancer, infections, and autoimmune diseases, with an emphasis on translating discoveries into clinical and commercial therapies. Her lab’s two main research directions are developing novel immune checkpoint therapies and creating off-the-shelf allogeneic immune cell therapies using unconventional T cells and engineered stem cells.

• Education: Ph.D. in Biology from Caltech (2004)

Research interests include tumor immunology, cancer immunotherapy, immune checkpoint blockade, and gene/cell therapy. Her work has led to over 70 peer-reviewed publications, 24 patents, 2 clinical trials, and 2 biotech startups. Key achievements include identifying new immune checkpoints (e.g., creatine), developing CAR-NKT cell therapies, and advancing stem cell engineering for cancer treatment.

Recent research highlights include engineering allorejection-resistant CAR-NKT cells and synthetic antigen-presenting platforms to enhance cancer therapy efficacy. Her lab’s interdisciplinary approach integrates immunology, stem cell biology, and gene therapy.

• Awards: CIRM 2024 Translational Award, BIOS 2023 Top Women in Academic Entrepreneurship

Dr. Yang advises on grants and clinical trials, with a focus on advancing immunotherapies. The Yang Engineering Immunity Lab is a leader in developing next-generation cancer therapies.