Wilson W. Wong

Wilson W. Wong is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University's College of Engineering. His research focuses on synthetic biology and engineering cellular therapies, particularly CAR T and CAR-NK cells for cancer, diabetes, and vaccine applications. He leads the Wilson Wong Lab, developing genetic circuits for precise control of cell functions through molecular, chemical, and optogenetic tools. Key achievements include FDA-approved drug-gated circuits, light-inducible recombinases, and saRNA platforms for reduced immunogenicity.

Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering (UCLA), B.S. in Chemical Engineering (UC Berkeley). Awards include the Allen Distinguished Investigator Award (2022), NAE German-American Frontiers Invitee (2021), and NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (2013). He collaborates with institutions like MIT and Harvard on lung regeneration projects through the Allen Distinguished Investigators program.

• Research Highlights: Logic-gated CAR therapies, optogenetic cell patterning, and saRNA-based vaccines
• Lab Members: Supervises students including Cristina, Huishan, Josh, and Justin Letendre
• Grants: Allen Foundation, NSF CAREER Award, NIH funding

His work bridges synthetic biology with clinical translation, emphasizing spatiotemporal control of cell functions for regenerative medicine and oncology. Recent breakthroughs include multiplex light-inducible circuits and saRNA modifications enhancing therapeutic efficacy.