USC Physician-Scientist Mohamed Abou-el-Enein Secures Rare Double Honors From American Society of Gene + Cell Therapy

Dr. Mohamed Abou-el-Enein receives top honors from ASGCT for his work in CAR T cell therapy and translational medicine at the Keck School of Medicine.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 11:05 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Keck School of Medicine of USC

A Dual Recognition for Translational Excellence

The American Society of Gene + Cell Therapy (ASGCT) has recognized Dr. Mohamed Abou-el-Enein with two of its most prestigious annual honors, marking a significant milestone for the USC/CHLA Cell Therapy Program. The 2026 Outstanding New Investigator Award acknowledges his influential work during the first ten years of his independent career, specifically his ability to bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and clinical application. Simultaneously, his lab received the 2026 Best of Molecular Therapy Award for a breakthrough paper that introduces innovative methods for optimizing immune cell engineering. This dual recognition underscores the growing importance of translational science in the rapidly evolving field of advanced therapeutics.

Advancing CAR T Cell Manufacturing Through Temporal Mapping

The award-winning research, led by first author Amaia Cadinanos-Garai, addresses a critical challenge in oncology: determining which engineered cells possess the greatest longevity and lethality against tumors. By utilizing spectral flow cytometers and laser-based profiling, the Abou-el-Enein Lab created a tool to track the evolution of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells during the manufacturing process. Their findings revealed that these cells reach their peak potency after five days of laboratory growth, beginning to lose their effectiveness after the ten-day mark. This discovery provides a precise temporal roadmap for scientists aiming to refine manufacturing protocols and improve patient outcomes in cellular immunotherapy.

The Multi-Disciplinary Background of a Physician-Scientist

Dr. Abou-el-Enein’s trajectory is defined by an extensive international education that spans medicine, data science, and regulatory affairs. With advanced degrees and certifications from institutions including Charité University Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, he has cultivated a unique expertise in the "innovation cycle" of biotechnology. His background allows him to navigate the complexities of drug development while maintaining a focus on the practicalities of patient care. This interdisciplinary approach was highlighted by colleagues at the Keck School of Medicine as a primary reason for his success in leading the university’s cGMP manufacturing facility.