Antibody Engineering for Next-Generation Therapeutics
We design what an antibody does, not only what it binds.
The Lee Lab engineers therapeutic antibodies by controlling Fc effector function, molecular geometry, internalization, payload delivery, and immune-cell engagement. Our work spans antibody discovery, Fc engineering, antibody-drug conjugates, computational antibody design, and CAR-T, CAR-NK, and CAR-macrophage therapies.
Beyond binding
Antibody discovery often begins with affinity. Therapeutic function does not end there.
An antibody can activate complement, recruit an immune cell, alter receptor signaling, enter a lysosome, deliver a drug, or serve as the recognition module of an engineered cell. These outcomes depend on molecular properties that can be designed.
We engineer that function.
Fc Engineering: Control complement, Fcγ receptor engagement, and antibody pharmacokinetics.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates: Design antibodies for productive internalization and intracellular payload delivery.
CAR Cell Therapy: Engineer antibody-derived recognition modules and receptor architectures for CAR-T, CAR-NK, and CAR-macrophage therapies.
Antibody Discovery & Computational Design: Discover and optimize antibodies with function and developability considered from the beginning.
Human Humoral Immunity: Read antibody responses in human disease to understand immune recognition and identify biomarkers.
Separating complement from Fc receptor function We engineered IgG Fc domains that retain C1q binding while eliminating effector Fcγ receptor interactions, enabling complement-mediated antibody activity to be studied independently. Nature Immunology, 2017
Engineering an Fc pH-toggle for prolonged circulation A redesigned FcRn interface enabled pH-dependent antibody recycling and substantially prolonged IgG circulation. Nature Communications, 2019
Internalization, rather than affinity alone, predicts ADC potency A normalized internalization metric integrating uptake and antigen density predicted the potency of CEACAM6-targeting antibody-drug conjugates. Journal of Controlled Release, 2026
Rapid CAR screening for shed-resistant CAR-NK therapy A rapid CAR screening strategy combined with circRNA-driven CAR-NK cells identified receptor designs capable of maintaining activity despite antigen shedding. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 2026
Reading the immunological synapse to predict CAR function A live-cell FRET biosensor linked CAR architecture and synapse formation to subsequent CAR-T function. Small Methods, 2024
Prof. Chang-Han Lee
Department of Pharmacology
College of Medicine
Seoul National University
The Lee Lab opens all positions, postdoctoral research fellow, graduate students, and technician.
To apply the position, please send your CV and personal statement (Korean or English) to chlee-antibody@snu.ac.kr.