The International Workshop on Cell Therapy for Blood Diseases, hosted by the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, and organized by the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (IHCAMS), was successfully held in Tianjin from August 15 to 29, 2025.
The program achieved significant results in international exchange and cooperation. During the training, the institute engaged in in-depth discussions with delegations from Thailand, Bangladesh, and others on future cooperation in clinical services, personnel exchange, and research, reaching preliminary agreements.
Coinciding with the inauguration of the International Medical Center of the institute on August 29, several participants also began engaging with the center on referrals and collaborative projects.
Relying on China’s leading expertise and clinical advantages in the field of hematologic cell therapy, the program was closely aligned with the healthcare needs of Belt and Road countries. It recruited 20 physicians and researchers engaged in clinical practice and scientific research on hematologic diseases from Thailand, Belarus, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Egypt, offering them a two-week high-level, systematic, and professional training.
The program comprehensively covered both fundamental and cutting-edge areas of cell therapy, fully demonstrating China’s innovation capacity across the entire chain from basic research and technology development to clinical translation and industrial application. Its aim was to promote the international dissemination and application of China’s advanced therapeutic technologies, while deepening scientific and technological cooperation with Belt and Road countries in the health sector.
Program Implementation
The curriculum combined theoretical lectures with practical training, and integrated scientific research with clinical translation. Speakers are invited from the University of Pennsylvania, Peking University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, East China Normal University, Tianjin University, along with leading experts, young scholars, and technical leaders from the institute and innovative enterprises. Course topics covered stem cell biology, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, CAR-T immunotherapy, CAR-T manufacturing processes, single-cell and spatial omics technologies, synthetic biology and biopharmaceutical innovation, as well as the application of artificial intelligence in cell therapy.
In terms of training format, in addition to multiple lectures, participants also engaged in practical teaching and site visits. They visited various clinical centers of the institute, the Haihe Laboratory on Cell Ecosystem, and enterprises including Union Precision, Vcanbio, BGI, and Juventas. Through these activities, trainees gained a comprehensive understanding of the entire technological chain of cell therapy—from R&D, manufacturing, and quality control to clinical application—enhancing both their practical skills and awareness of real-world application scenarios.
Daily Training Summary
August 18:
The program officially opened. Prof. Tao Cheng, President of the Institute, and Dr. Jun Shi, Vice President and program director, delivered opening remarks. The participant representative, Dr.. Dina Garniasih from Indonesia spoke, followed by self-introductions and a group photo.
In the morning, Prof. Tao Cheng, also Director of the National Key Laboratory of Blood Science, delivered the first keynote lecture, systematically elaborating on the fundamentals of stem cell biology, classification, and its role in regenerative medicine. He highlighted major breakthroughs achieved by the institute in hematopoietic stem cell regulation, gene-editing clinical translation, and CAR-T product development, including the approval of CNCT19 (China’s first CAR-T product for leukemia) and the nation’s first AAV-based gene therapy for hemophilia, showcasing China’s international impact.
In the afternoon, Prof. Xiaoyu Zhang from the Transplant Center presented on “Progress and Challenges in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation,” covering the evolution of transplantation techniques, indications for allo-HSCT and auto-HSCT, conditioning regimens, complication management, and immune reconstitution. She also shared the institute’s innovations in transplant scale, clinical database construction, and integration of CAR-T therapy.
Participants later toured the Stem Cell Transplant Center, learning first-hand about standardized transplant processes and quality management systems.
August 19:
In the morning, Prof. Vijay Bhoj of the University of Pennsylvania gave a lecture on “CAR-T Cell Applications in Autoimmunity and Transplantation,” reviewing CAR-T development, its success in oncology, and expansion into autoimmune disease and transplant rejection, sharing his team’s dual-target CAR-T (CD19+BCMA) for desensitization in sensitized patients.
At noon, participants visited the International Medical Center, providing advanced facilities and services for international patients.
In the afternoon, Prof. Jianxiang Wang, Chief Clinical Expert, lectured on “Advances in Immunotherapy for Acute Leukemia,” systematically covering bispecific antibodies, ADCs, and CAR-T in leukemia, with case analyses. Afterward, participants visited Concord Biotech to observe sequencing, flow cytometry, and sample processing workflows, deepening their understanding of precision diagnostics.
August 20:
In the morning, Prof. Wensheng Wei of Peking University gave a lecture titled “From Gene Editing to New Frontiers: Progress in Cell and Gene Therapy,” reviewing gene-editing history and applications of CRISPR/Cas in cell modification, and sharing advances in genetic disease therapy and tumor immunoediting.
In the afternoon, participants toured outpatient and transfusion centers, the GMP facility, and visited China Cord Blood Bank and Biobank, gaining insights into supporting platforms for cell therapy.
August 21: In the morning, participants visited BGI Tianjin to learn about sequencing operations, data analysis, and applications in diagnostics and quality control of cell therapy products.
At noon, they visited the pathology center on immunohistochemistry, molecular pathology, and MRD detection.
In the afternoon, Dr. Feng Xue presented on “AAV-Mediated Gene Therapy for Hemophilia B,” including mechanism, clinical advantages, and trial results. Prof. Ruonan Li followed with “CAR-T Cell Therapy in Refractory Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia,” sharing breakthroughs in applying CD19 CAR-T, including patient selection, mechanism, safety, and long-term efficacy.
August 22: In the morning, Prof. Ying Wang lectured on “Advances in Immunotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia,” including data on CNCT19 in relapsed/refractory adult B-ALL. Dr. Runxia Gu presented on CAR-T toxicities (CRS, ICANS, infections, hematologic toxicity, secondary malignancies), while Dr. Xiyan Wang illustrated with case reports.
In the afternoon, participants visited the Immunotherapy Center, Haihe Laboratory, and GMP facilities, learning about ecosystem research, development, and translational applications.
August 25:
In the morning, Dr. Wei Li (Chinese Academy of Sciences) lectured on “Mammalian Engineering Biology: From Genome and Phenotype Engineering to Programmable Medicine.”
In the afternoon, BGI’s Dr. Yubing Shang presented sequencing applications in pathogen detection. Dr. Chao Liu shared online results in hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy (HSC-GT) for hemoglobinopathies, while Dr. Jing Zhao introduced single-cell and spatial omics applications.
Later, participants visited the Samaranch Memorial, enhancing cross-cultural friendship.
August 26: In the morning, Dr. Yongzeng Wang, CTO of Juventas, gave a lecture on “CAR-T Cell Manufacturing,” covering autologous CAR-T product development, processes, quality control, and commercialization.
In the afternoon, participants toured Juventas’ industrial base, observing large-scale CAR-T production and quality systems.
August 27:
In the morning, Prof. Dali Li (East China Normal University) delivered “Genome Editing Technologies and Translational Applications,” including base editing and prime editing.
In the afternoon, Dr. Minyu Zhou of IASO Bio presented on CAR-T progress in multiple myeloma and autoimmune diseases. Prof. Shuhua Yi lectured on “Advances in Lymphoma Immunotherapy,” comparing CAR-T, bispecific antibodies, adverse event management, and combination strategies.
August 28:
In the morning, Prof. Toshio Suda (Distinguished Professor of PUMC) presented “Insight into the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche,” covering self-renewal, bone marrow microenvironment, hypoxia, and cancer stem cell interactions. Participants later discussed pediatric hematology and transplantation applications.
In the afternoon, the participants visited Tianjin University, Prof. Lilin Zhang lectured on synthetic biology in biopharma, and Prof. Cheng Zhu on “AI & Biomolecular Design,” including generative AI in protein design, drug discovery, and precision medicine.
August 29:
The closing ceremony was held. Representatives from participating countries presented institutional backgrounds, national progress in cell therapy, challenges, and prospects for cooperation with China. Certificates were awarded by Dr. Jun Shi, and Prof. Tao Cheng delivered closing remarks. Participants emphasized the program broadened academic horizons, enhanced expertise, and deepened understanding of China’s scientific innovation, laying a solid foundation for future collaboration.
Achievements in International Exchange and Cooperation
The program achieved significant results in international exchange and cooperation. During the training, the institute engaged in in-depth discussions with delegations from Thailand, Bangladesh, and others on future cooperation in clinical services, personnel exchange, and research, reaching preliminary agreements.
Coinciding with the inauguration of the International Medical Center of the institute on August 29, several participants also began engaging with the center on referrals and collaborative projects.
