How Understanding the Immune System Prevented the Transmission of AIDS by Blood Transfusion and Enabled the First Cell Therapy for Cancer (Landsteiner-Alter Memorial Award and Lectureship)

Join us for this lecture by Edgar G. Engleman, MD, on how breakthroughs in immunology reshaped modern medicine—helping stop transfusion transmitted AIDS years before HIV testing existed and paving the way for the first FDA approved cellular therapy for cancer. From mapping the immune system with monoclonal antibodies to translating dendritic-cell science into life extending treatment, this lecture traces the real-world impact of discovery-driven research.


2026 Recipient: Edgar G. Engleman, MD (citation)
In grateful recognition of an extraordinary career that has led to advancements in the field. Dr. Engleman’s work has been instrumental in improving the safety of the blood supply, which has benefited countless patients. In addition, his research into the use of immune cells to treat diseases has led to important therapeutic advancements. Dr. Engleman’s more than 350 published scientific papers are a testament to his essential contributions to the field.

About the Landsteiner-Alter Award and Lectureship
This award was initiated in 1954 as the Karl Landsteiner Memorial Award and Lectureship, honoring Karl Landsteiner, MD, whose lifetime research laid the foundation for modern blood transfusion therapy. Landsteiner was awarded the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his research. The award was renamed the Landsteiner-Alter Award in 2021 to also honor Harvey Alter, MD, longtime AABB member and leader in transfusion medicine, who received the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his research leading to the identification of the Hepatitis C virus.
The Landsteiner-Alter Award recognizes a scientist whose original research has resulted in an important contribution to the body of scientific knowledge. The scientist who receives the award should have an international reputation in transfusion medicine or biotherapies.