Welcome to the Brown Lab

Our Research

The Brown Lab focuses on exploring the nexus of pluripotent stem cell (PSC) biology and immunology. We are currently investigating the mechanisms underpinning the immune response to autologous and allogeneic PSC-derived cell therapies. Using transplantation immunology and genomics-based strategies, in conjunction with humanized mouse models, our goals are to improve traditional organ transplantation outcomes, gain new insights into PSC biology and immunology, and enable curative regenerative medicine therapies.

Department Website

Latest Publications

Diminished Immune Cell Adhesion in Hypoimmune ICAM‑1 Knockout Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

In this study, the team identified ICAM‑1, a key adhesion molecule involved in immune cell binding, as a critical target. They used CRISPR/Cas9 to knock out ICAM‑1 from hPSCs and found that this edit dramatically reduces binding of various immune cells, including monocytes, neutrophils, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, to PSC-derived cardiovascular cells. This led to reduced T cell activation and longer retention of grafts in a humanized mouse model. Importantly, this ICAM‑1 knockout worked both on its own and when combined with existing hypoimmune edits, paving the way for more robust, "universal" cellular therapies.

News & Events

The Brown Lab Congratulates Arista Whitson on Medical School Acceptance

Arista Whitson, an undergraduate research assistant, got accepted into the A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine for July 2026. Since joining the lab, she has contributed to a project studying hematopoietic engraftment in humanized mouse models using primary sources versus iPSC derived cells to benchmark values that can be used in future studies. We are proud of her accomplishments and excited to see her continue her path toward a career in medicine.

Learn More

Brown Lab Awarded Grant to Study Potential New Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes

With a new two-year grant from Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Dr. Brown and his team will create and study hypoimmune, insulin-producing, stem cell-derived islet-like clusters as a potential new treatment for type 1 diabetes.

Learn More

WARF Features Dr. Matthew E. Brown in Inventor Profiles

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation highlights Dr. Brown's work and goals for the future.

Learn More

Grad Student Offered GEM Ph.D. Engineering and Science Fellowship

Mireya Pimentel was awarded the GEM Fellowship for Summer 2025. GEM offers MS and Ph.D. level students the ability to explore opportunities in industry and academia through access to dozens of the top Engineering and Science firms and Universities in the nation.

Learn More

Contact Us

The Brown Lab is recruiting highly motivated postdocs, technicians, and undergraduate students. Dr. Brown is a trainer in the CBMS, MCP, CMP, and CMB graduate programs.

Join Our Team!