Andrew Hou

• Designed and executed in vitro safety and pharmacology studies evaluating immune signaling, activation, cytotoxicity, tumor reactivity, and expansion kinetics of engineered TILs, compiled as a comprehensive data package to support first-in-human CTA filing • Screened and optimized 60+ antibodies to establish a suite of multiplexed RNA in situ hybridization flow cytometry assays, enabling phenotypic and functional profiling of transgene-positive TILs with >90% fidelity compared to conventional flow cytometry • Led CRO selection and oversight for transfer and validation of GLP-compliant assays for Phase I trial, including PK and ADA assays for engineered ligand (via custom MSD and bridging electrochemiluminescence, respectively) • Authored study reports, translational component of clinical protocol, and sections of IMPD and investigator brochure to support CTA submission

• Oversaw large-scale in vivo studies (n = 250+ mice total) with external CROs to evaluate PK/PD and efficacy of CAR-NKT cells in solid tumor xenograft models • Conducted ex vivo analyses of CAR-NKT cell persistence, phenotype, and function across 7 tissue types in xenograft models • Developed novel assays demonstrating unique biological properties of CAR-NKT cells compared to conventional CAR-T cells: showcased findings at AACR Annual Meeting 2024 • Screened 50+ CAR binders and 150+ lentiviral vector configurations to optimize transgene expression and anti-tumor efficacy in HSC-derived CAR-NKT cells (short-term and long-term cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion, proliferation)

• Engineered novel bispecific CAR to counter TGF-β–mediated immunosuppression through iterative design-build-test cycles, screening 100+ constructs with different binder configurations and intracellular domains • Established and optimized syngeneic mouse models of glioblastoma and melanoma for CAR-T efficacy studies and high-dimensional profiling of the tumor microenvironment • Authored two first-author primary research publications and multiple literature reviews