Michael P. Gustafson

Michael P. Gustafson, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and Department of Immunology at Mayo Clinic, where he also serves as Scientific Director of the Nyberg Human Cellular Therapy Laboratory in Phoenix, Arizona. He holds leadership roles including Associate Chair of Research and is deeply involved in translational research and clinical trial development.

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
• Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
• B.S. in Biology, North Park College

Dr. Gustafson's research focuses on cellular immunotherapies, including CAR-T cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cell vaccines for cancer and autoimmune diseases. He investigates systemic immunity in humans, how cancer alters immune function, and how physical activity can enhance immunotherapy responses. His work also emphasizes biomarker development to assess cell product quality and patient response.

His recent publications highlight a strong trajectory in immunotherapy safety, exercise immunology, solid tumor CAR-T engineering, and immune monitoring. Themes include improving therapeutic specificity, understanding secondary malignancy risks, and leveraging lifestyle interventions to boost immune efficacy.

Dr. Gustafson has earned recognition through key roles in national organizations:

• Member, Immuno & Gene Therapy Committee, International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (2019–present)
• Chair and Scientific Reviewer, Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (2016–present)
• Champion, Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (2013–present)

He actively mentors students and collaborators, though specific advisees are not listed. His lab fosters critical partnerships across Mayo Clinic and external institutions to advance cell therapy from bench to bedside. He provides regulatory and quality expertise for IND-enabling studies and early-phase clinical trials.

Dr. Gustafson leads the Nyberg Human Cellular Therapy Laboratory, a core facility dedicated to the biomanufacturing, testing, and translational development of cell-based therapeutics. The lab supports both academic and clinical research teams in producing GMP-compliant cellular products for human trials.