The Beyar-Katz Laboratory is dedicated to advancing next-generation CAR-T cell immunotherapies for hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, and autoimmune diseases. Through the integration of translational research, preclinical investigation, and clinical studies, our laboratory develops innovative cellular therapies with the goal of improving efficacy, safety, and clinical accessibility. Based at the Clinical Research Institute at Rambam Health Care Campus, the laboratory combines expertise in molecular biology, cellular immunology, tumor biology, and animal models to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical applications.
Our research spans the entire CAR-T cell therapeutic pipeline, from vector design and cell manufacturing to mechanistic studies and clinical evaluation. We investigate strategies to optimize CAR-T cell function and persistence by evaluating GMP-manufactured products under clinically relevant conditions, including continuous low-dose versus single high-dose administration, characterization of lymph node-derived CAR-T cells, and detailed analysis of CAR-T–tumor cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment. In parallel, we engineer and evaluate next-generation CAR constructs targeting novel tumor-associated antigens, dual-antigen CAR-T cells designed to overcome antigen escape, and controllable ON/OFF-switch CAR platforms that enhance therapeutic precision and safety.
Our laboratory employs a broad range of cutting-edge methodologies, including molecular cloning, plasmid engineering, lentiviral vector production, primary human immune cell isolation and culture, genome engineering, leukemia and solid tumor cell models, and xenograft mouse models. Functional characterization of CAR-T cells is performed using multiparameter flow cytometry, cytotoxicity assays, cytokine profiling, metabolic analyses, and advanced immune phenotyping. By integrating these experimental platforms with patient-derived clinical samples, we investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing CAR-T cell efficacy, persistence, immune fitness, and resistance, while also studying treatment-associated toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), and immune effector cell-associated hematotoxicity (ICAHT).
Ultimately, our mission is to bridge fundamental immunology with clinical innovation by developing next-generation CAR-T cell therapies and manufacturing strategies that improve outcomes for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Meet the Beyar-Katz Lab Team