Research
We design what an antibody does, not only what it binds
Most therapeutic antibody programs begin by asking which antigen to target. We ask a second question alongside it: once the antibody arrives, what should happen next?
The same antigen-binding molecule can recruit complement, engage an immune cell, alter receptor signaling, enter a lysosome, deliver a payload, or become the recognition module of an engineered cell. These outcomes depend on molecular properties that can be designed.
The Lee Lab works across the full path from antibody discovery to therapeutic mechanism. We combine antibody and nanobody discovery, Fc and format engineering, antibody-drug conjugates, CAR cell therapy, computational design, and analysis of human humoral immunity.
Fc Engineering
Programming immune effector function
We engineer the Fc region as a functional module, separating complement activity, Fcγ receptor engagement, and FcRn-mediated pharmacokinetics rather than accepting the fixed behavior of wild-type IgG.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates
Designing antibodies for productive intracellular delivery
ADC potency depends on more than target expression or affinity. We study how antibody internalization, antigen density, and intracellular trafficking determine whether a bound antibody actually delivers its payload.
Explore ADC Research →
CAR Cell Therapy
Engineering what happens after antigen recognition
We investigate how epitope position, receptor geometry, hinge architecture, signaling modules, and effector-cell identity convert antigen recognition into CAR-T, CAR-NK, and CAR-macrophage function.
Explore CAR Cell Therapy →
Antibody Discovery & Computational Design
Selecting better molecules before optimization begins
We develop experimental and computational strategies that increase the fraction of antibody candidates worth advancing, integrating discovery, humanization, structural reasoning, and developability.
Explore Antibody Discovery →
Human Humoral Immunity
Reading the antibodies produced by human disease
Human antibodies provide a molecular record of immune recognition. We analyze serum and cellular antibody responses to identify disease-associated antigens, immune signatures, and biomarkers.
Explore Humoral Immunity →