University of Pennsylvania · BiologyMason Immunotherapy Lab
Nicola J Mason · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Research Focus
Dr. Nicola J. Mason's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on developing advanced immunotherapy treatments for solid tumors using a unique type of immune cell called invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. These cells have the potential to effectively target and attack tumors while minimizing harmful side effects. The lab is particularly interested in creating and testing allogeneic CAR-engineered iNKTs in dogs with osteosarcoma, which is similar to a type of childhood cancer seen in humans. This research aims to enhance cancer treatment options and improve patient outcomes through innovative cell therapy approaches.
CAR-iNKT cellssolid tumorsimmunotherapyosteosarcomaadoptive cell therapycanine cancertumor microenvironmentpreconditioning regimensallogeneic cells
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the use of allogeneic CAR-iNKT cells for treating solid tumors.
AIM 02Characterize the immunological profiles of different donor-derived iNKT cells.
AIM 03Evaluate optimal preconditioning regimens for iNKT cell therapy in dogs.
AIM 04Determine the maximum tolerated dose of CAR-iNKT cells in clinical trials.
AIM 05Assess the safety and efficacy of CAR-iNKT therapy on metastatic osteosarcoma in a canine model.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturegene editing techniquesflow cytometryanimal modelsclinical trial designdata analysisimmunoassayscytotoxicity assaysdose escalation testingmolecular biology techniques
Output against the department
Publications124bottom 45% of dept.572nd of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.0kbottom 22% of dept.803rd of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.