Center for Antibody Therapeutics (CAT)

The Center for Antibody Therapeutics (CAT), part of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Pittsburgh, is a core component of the UPMC Immune Transplant and Therapy Center (ITTC). Its mission is to discover monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based therapeutics for disease prevention, treatment, and diagnostics, using phage and yeast display, hybridoma technology, and single B cell isolation.

CAT’s work is grounded in understanding disease mechanisms and validating molecular targets for intervention. To optimize efficacy and safety, antibodies are engineered into diverse formats including antibody domains, fragments, full-size immunoglobulins, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), CAR-T and CAR-NK constructs, bispecific T-cell or NK-cell engagers, and fusion proteins. These products are designed, produced, and preclinically characterized within CAT, often in partnership with industry.

An important long-term goal of CAT is to develop antibodies targeting aging processes. Building on over a decade of research interest, this program aims to use antibodies not only against diseases of aging but also to delay aging and extend healthy lifespan. For example, studies have shown that eliminating senescent cells in mice can prolong life and improve organ health, suggesting that antibody-based clearance of aging cells could be a promising strategy to enhance human health span.