Immunoengineering

Immunoengineering integrates engineering with immunology to develop immunomodulatory tools to stimulate, regulate and in general control the powers of the immune system to treat diseases including auto-immune diseases, cancer and neurodegerative diseases. 

At Case Western Reserve University, research in immunoengineering thrives through collaboration and close proximity to top-tier healthcare facilities, including MetroHealth Medical Center, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. The Department of Biomedical Engineering’s faculty and trainees are engaged with researchers in these healthcare facilities to develop cutting-edge research products and translational solutions.

Our department is actively involved in various immunoengineering and rehabilitation projects, enabling us to transition ideas from fundamental science to experimental testing and ultimately to clinical application.

The immunoengineering labs at Case focus on various research areas including:

Vaccines and immunotherapies: Vaccines and immunotherapies harness the immune system to prevent and treat diseases by stimulating or restoring immune responses.

Immuno-oncology: Immuno-oncology focuses on using the body’s immune system to fight cancer, offering new hope for effective cancer treatments.

Immunometabolism: Immunometabolism studies the interplay between immune cell function and metabolic processes, revealing insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapies.

Gene therapy: Gene therapy involves modifying or introducing genes to treat or prevent diseases, offering a promising approach to correcting genetic disorders.

Microbiome and immunity: The microbiome and immunity are intricately linked, with gut microbes playing a crucial role in regulating immune responses and overall health.

Immunomodulatory biomaterials for neuroprosthetics: Immunomodulatory biomaterials for neuroprosthetics aim to enhance the integration and performance of neural implants by modulating the immune response.

Wound healing: Wound healing involves a complex process of tissue repair and regeneration, where the immune system plays a vital role in orchestrating the healing response.

Affiliated Labs and Centers

• Advanced Platform Technology Center
• Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Functional Electrical Stimulation Center
• Neural Engineering Center

Faculty