Our group focuses on using adoptive cellular therapies, like natural killer (NK) cell and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell infusions to cure pediatric cancers. We also engineer monocytes/macrophages using exosomes to reduce toxicity from immune-related adverse events, such as graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) and acute radiation syndrome.
Smart Cancer Therapies
Cellular Immunotherapy: One component of the Immunotherapy & Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Research Group is exploring methods to improve the usage of NK cells to treat children with solid tumors. We are also developing imaging techniques to monitor NK cell trafficking into tumors in real time, allowing us to understand where they go and how long they persist after infusion.
Engineering and Observing a Graft-vs-Tumor Effect Against Neuroblastoma
We also study how CAR T cells can be used to treat pediatric cancers. Dr. Capitini is a site Principal Investigator for clinical trials studying how CAR T cells treat children with high risk B cell leukemia. The Immunotherapy & Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Research Group is also developing non-viral approaches to generate CAR T cells to treat solid tumors as well as innovative methods for tracking them after infusion.
NCI Announces Support for Research in Cell-based Immunotherapies of Human Cancer
Immune-related adverse events: Total body irradiation is often used as a preparatory regimen before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant because it can eliminate the host’s hematopoietic cells, called hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome, and also eliminate residual leukemia. It can also contribute to the development of acute GVHD, which is caused by donor T cells attacking normal host tissues that have been damaged by the irradiation such as the liver, skin or gut. We are developing alternatively activated monocytes and macrophages, using exosomes from mesenchymal stromal cells, to treat acute radiation syndrome and GVHD.
Additional Research Activities
- Basic, translational and clinical research of pediatric cancers
- Adoptive cell therapies (NK cell and CAR T cell infusions)
- Models of bone marrow transplant
- Graft-versus-host-disease
- Acute radiation syndrome
- Macrophages
Research Opportunities – Graduate Students
For students interested in obtaining a PhD, Dr. Capitini is a trainer for the Cellular and Molecular Pathology (CMP), Cellular and Molecular Biology (CMB), Clinical Investigation (ICTR), and Comparative Biomedical Sciences (CBMS) Graduate Programs. For more information, please click on the link for each program above.
Research Opportunities – Postdoctoral Fellows
Interested applicants with experience in cellular immunology, tumor models and/or genetic engineering may send a cover letter, CV, and emails for 3 references to ccapitini@pediatrics.wisc.edu for consideration.
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Additional Information
Research News
UW researchers identify cell type that could be key to preventing marrow transplant complication
A bone marrow transplant can be a lifesaving treatment for people with relapsed blood cancers, but a potentially lethal complication known as graft-versus-host disease put limitations on this procedure. New research from the University of …
April 13, 2023
Becky Richards awarded ASH Fellow Scholar Award and NIH K08 grant for research in new CAR T cell therapy
The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has awarded Rebecca “Becky” Richards, MD, PhD, assistant professor, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, an ASH Fellow Scholar Award of $100,000 for the period October 1, …
February 15, 2023
CRISPR-produced CAR T cells could better treat solid tumors
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are biological assassins: white blood cells that are specifically engineered to attack cancer cells. Over the past five years, they’ve become an established therapeutic option for patients with blood …
December 13, 2022Three department members honored with named professorships at the inaugural SMPH Faculty Investiture Ceremony
Named professorships endowed by donors to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) convey both an honor and funds to recipients’ research and other endeavors. On October 12, at the Fluno …
November 2, 2022
Four pediatrics faculty advisors, students receive Hilldale research fellowships
Congratulations to the following faculty and students who were recently awarded Hilldale Faculty/Undergraduate Research Fellowships for the 2022-2023 academic year. The fellowship provides research training and support to undergraduate students, and it provides them the …
July 15, 2022- More News...
Associate Professor
ccapitini@pediatrics.wisc.edu
(608) 262-2415