Wendell Lim

Wendell Lim is a Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine. He is a leading figure in synthetic biology and cellular engineering, directing the Lim Lab, which focuses on reprogramming immune cells for precision cancer immunotherapies. His research integrates synthetic biology, immunology, and systems biology to design novel cell-based therapeutics.

• University: University of California San Francisco
• School: School of Medicine
• Department: Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology
• Academic Rank: Professor
• Email: wendell.lim@ucsf.edu

Dr. Lim's research interests center on synthetic biology, T cell engineering, cell signaling, and programmable cell therapies. His lab pioneers technologies such as synNotch and CAR-T systems that enable precise control over immune cell behavior, allowing for spatial and temporal regulation of therapeutic activity. His work aims to overcome challenges in cancer heterogeneity, specificity, and persistence.

The recent publications of Dr. Lim reflect a strong trend toward engineering smart cell therapeutics, particularly through modular receptor systems, synthetic cytokine circuits, and logic-gated T cells. These works span disciplines including immunology, cancer biology, protein engineering, and regenerative medicine, emphasizing the development of next-generation, conditionally activated immunotherapies with enhanced safety and efficacy.

Dr. Lim has received widespread recognition for his contributions to synthetic biology and immunoengineering. His work is frequently published in top-tier journals such as Science, Nature, and Cell, and he is a sought-after speaker and collaborator in the field.

He mentors a large group of students, postdoctoral researchers, and collaborators, many of whom are co-authors on his publications. His lab has secured significant funding to support research in engineered cell therapies, synthetic signaling circuits, and translational applications in oncology and autoimmunity. The Lim Lab also develops educational tools and frameworks for teaching synthetic biology concepts.

Dr. Lim leads interdisciplinary teams working on synthetic morphogen systems, degron-based control mechanisms, and multicellular patterning, aiming to build foundational platforms for programmable tissues and intelligent cell-based medicines.