Kat Mueller, PhD, is investigating the molecular mechanisms that determine CAR T-cell persistence\u2014why some engineered immune cells continue fighting cancer for years, while others lose effectiveness or die off soon after treatment. CAR T-cells, often described as \u201cliving drugs,\u201d have transformed cancer therapy, but not all patients experience lasting responses. By identifying key factors that govern CAR T-cell survival, Dr. Mueller\u2019s research aims to enhance the durability and effectiveness of this breakthrough treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Mueller\u2019s work centers on FOXO1, a transcription factor that plays a critical role in programming CAR T-cells for long-term function. Using CRISPR-based gene editing and advanced sequencing techniques, she has shown that FOXO1 helps CAR T-cells resist exhaustion and maintain memory-like properties that contribute to their persistence. To further understand this mechanism, she is analyzing CAR T-cells from pediatric clinical trials\u2014comparing those from patients in remission for up to ten years with those from patients who relapsed within six months. Her goal is to uncover how FOXO1 and related gene networks shape CAR T-cell fate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00abBy unlocking the molecular programming behind CAR T-cell persistence, we can design next-generation therapies that give more patients durable, long-term remission,\u00bb says Dr. Mueller. \u00abTranscription factor engineering offers an exciting new frontier to fine-tune CAR T-cells for lasting effectiveness.\u00bb <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a background in bioengineering, Dr. Mueller has led innovative research on nonviral CAR-T manufacturing, metabolic profiling of engineered T cells, and transcriptional regulation of CAR-T memory. Her work has resulted in multiple high-impact publications, including a recent study in Nature demonstrating how FOXO1 overexpression enhances CAR-T persistence and tumor control. By bridging fundamental immunology with translational applications, Dr. Mueller\u2019s research is paving the way for more effective and resilient CAR T-cell therapies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia | All Cancers | 2025 | Evan Weber, PhD <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Kat Mueller, PhD, is investigating the molecular mechanisms that determine CAR T-cell persistence\u2014why some engineered immune cells continue fighting cancer for years, while others lose effectiveness or die off soon after treatment. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":33620,"template":"","tax_cancer_type":[455],"tax_grant_type":[486],"tax_award_year":[742],"tax_institutions":[533],"tax_location_states":[488],"class_list":["post-33638","cri_scientists","type-cri_scientists","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"scientist_subhead":"Postdoctoral Fellow","quote":"","scientist_last_name":"Mueller","show_on_landing":true,"scientist_publish_until":"20271231"},"yoast_head":"\n