Marlena Habal, MD

Dr. Marlena Habal is a cardiologist and transplant immunologist at NYU Langone Health, specializing in heart failure and thoracic transplantation. Her clinical and research focus is on overcoming B-cell and antibody-mediated alloimmunity to improve access and outcomes in transplantation, particularly for highly sensitized patients. Her research group uses a bedside-to-bench approach to investigate the B-cell biology behind persistent alloimmune responses. She has developed protocols targeting bone marrow plasma cells, including those secreting HLA-specific IgG antibodies. One heart transplant has already been performed using this approach, with additional patients preparing for treatment. Dr. Habal is the principal investigator of an NIH-sponsored clinical trial testing novel immunosuppressive therapies in heart transplantation. She works closely with a multidisciplinary team at NYU Langone to ensure comprehensive care. Through rigorous translational research, she aims to transform clinical practice and expand life-saving transplant options for patients with complex immunological challenges.