Tim Luetkens

Tim Luetkens, MD is an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, holding a primary appointment in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. He also serves as Director of R&D at the Fannie Angelos Cellular Therapeutics GMP Laboratory, facilitating clinical translation of cellular immunotherapies.

His research focuses on cellular immunotherapies and protein engineering, addressing critical challenges like immune escape, antigen loss, and off-target toxicity. Through technologies such as CRISPR, antibody phage display, and CAR/TCR engineering, his Cell Engineering Lab develops innovative solutions for hematologic and solid tumors.

Recent publications highlight his work on CAR T cell affinity tuning, trogocytosis inhibition, and HLA modulation, with clinical applications in multiple myeloma, neuroblastoma, and Ewing sarcoma. Collaborations with the Fannie Angelos GMP Lab enable pediatric and adult cell therapy product development.