Jun Huang

Assoiciate Professor
Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
The University of Chicago

huangjun@uchicago.edu

Dept. and Web

T Cell Immunology, mRNA Nanotechnology

Project Description

1. AI-Driven Antibody Engineering

This project aims to revolutionize antibody development using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. By integrating large-scale datasets of antibody-antigen interactions, structural biology, and sequence information, we will leverage machine learning models to design and optimize antibodies with enhanced specificity, affinity, and stability. The project will focus on developing a robust AI-driven pipeline to rapidly generate therapeutic antibodies tailored for various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases. Engineered antibodies will be validated in vitro and in vivo, with an emphasis on improving efficacy and reducing off-target effects compared to conventionally developed antibodies.

2. Single-Cell Omics Profiling in Cancer Patients

This project seeks to unravel the cellular and molecular heterogeneity within tumors and their microenvironments by employing advanced single-cell omics technologies—such as single-cell RNA sequencing, ATAC-seq, and proteomics—on patient-derived cancer samples. The goal is to map cellular subpopulations, identify rare or resistant cell types, and discover novel biomarkers associated with disease progression or therapy response. Insights gained from this high-resolution profiling will inform personalized therapeutic strategies and enable the stratification of patients for targeted treatments, ultimately improving clinical outcomes in cancer care.

3. CAR T Cell Therapy for Cancer and Neurodegeneration

This project aims to extend the therapeutic potential of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy beyond cancer to neurodegenerative disorders. For cancer, we will develop and evaluate next-generation CAR T cells targeting novel tumor antigens, improving persistence, and overcoming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In parallel, the project will explore the feasibility of reprogramming CAR T cells to recognize and eliminate pathogenic cell populations implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Preclinical models and advanced in vitro systems will be used to assess efficacy, safety, and potential off-target effects, paving the way for new immune-based interventions for currently untreatable conditions.

Requirement

1. AI-Driven Antibody Engineering

Expertise in machine learning and computational modeling applied to biological systems
Knowledge of antibody structure, design, and molecular immunology

2. Single-Cell Omics Profiling in Cancer Patients

Hands-on experience with single-cell sequencing technologies and sample preparation
Proficiency in bioinformatics analysis and interpretation of single-cell omics data

3. CAR T Cell Therapy for Cancer and Neurodegeneration

Strong background in immunology and hands-on experience with CAR T cell technologies
Cell culture expertise, including gene editing and functional assays with human cells