Find Academic Supervisors

Barbara MaierView profile

Researcher

• Tumor Immunology
• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Tumor Microenvironment
• +3 more

Barbara Maier is a Principal Investigator at CeMM (Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences), specializing in tumor immunology and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Her research focuses on immune suppression mechanisms, antigen-presenting cell (APC) dynamics, and T cell exhaustion in cancer, aiming to enhance immunotherapy strategies like immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Education: Studied molecular biology at the University of Vienna and earned a PhD from MedUni Vienna, investigating type I interferon in pulmonary inflammation under Professor Sylvia Knapp. Barbara Maier’s work explores how tumor-associated APCs and myeloid cells shape T cell responses, using integrative approaches such as single-cell transcriptomics and high-throughput cell culture. Her research addresses critical questions about T cell dysfunction in the TME and draining lymph nodes, with the goal of developing next-generation immunotherapies targeting these pathways. Her recent publications highlight studies on APC subsets in ICB response, spatial T cell exhaustion programs, and myeloid cell-based therapies. She leads the ERC Starting Grant 'REWIRE' (2024–2028) to manipulate lymph node niches for T cell reactivation and an FWF Stand-Alone Project (2024–2027) to enhance T cell immunity in tumor-draining lymph nodes.

Annie CurtisView profile

Associate Professor

• Immunology
• Chronobiology
• Inflammation
• +4 more

Prof Annie Curtis is an Associate Professor at the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). She leads the Curtis Clock Lab, focusing on circadian rhythms' impact on immunity and inflammation. Her research bridges chronobiology with immunology, investigating how molecular clocks regulate innate immune function, particularly in macrophages and dendritic cells. Education: B.A. in Genetics, Trinity College Dublin (1998) PhD in Cardiovascular Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania (2005) Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education, RCSI (2018) Research Interests: Circadian control of immunity, inflammation, and metabolism. Key areas include: Chronopharmacology for inflammatory disease treatment timing Clock regulation of macrophage and dendritic cell function Interplay between circadian rhythms and metabolic reprogramming in immunity Grants & Funding: EU Horizon 2020/2023: METABOLATE project SFI Career Development Award (2017) SFI Frontiers Award (2021) ChronoVac: Circadian clock-enhanced vaccine efficacy (2021-2025) Awards: L'Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Fellowship (2017) Roche Medal - Trinity Biomedical Science Institute (2012) ATVB Junior Investigator Award (2006) Lab & Collaborations: Principal Investigator in RCSI's Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), and funded investigator in AMBER and FutureNeuro2 centres. Active in science communication through media appearances.

Dequina NicholasView profile

Assistant Professor

• Immunometabolism
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• +5 more

Dequina Nicholas is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), affiliated with the Samueli School of Engineering and the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. Her research focuses on the interplay between chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and endocrine disorders such as Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Her lab employs molecular and cellular biology techniques, transgenic mouse models, and human sample analysis to study immunometabolism. Key projects include investigating pituitary immune cell populations influencing gonadotropin secretion, lipid antigen presentation mechanisms in human diseases, and the role of glucose metabolism in reproductive hormone regulation. Notable achievements include publications in Cell Metabolism and Nature Reviews Endocrinology , and recognition at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology Conference. Her work aims to identify therapeutic targets for metabolic and immune-related diseases, with a focus on translational research.

Greta GuardaView profile

Professor

• Adaptive Immunity
• Innate Immunity
• Cancer Immunology
• +3 more

Greta Guarda is a Full Professor at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) and Vice-Dean of Research in the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences. She leads an independent research group at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Bellinzona, Switzerland. Her work focuses on understanding the interplay between MHC class I molecules, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells in immunity against infections and cancer. Key research areas include immunometabolism, inflammasome regulation, and the molecular mechanisms governing lymphocyte function. Education: Molecular Biology studies at the University of Zurich, PhD at the IRB (2007), postdoctoral training at the University of Lausanne (2007–2010) where she became Senior Lecturer. Established her independent research group in 2012 after receiving a Swiss National Science Foundation Professorship and ERC Starting Grant. Research Interests: MHC class I antigen presentation pathways Innate and adaptive cytotoxic immune responses Immunometabolic regulation of lymphocytes NLR family proteins (NLRC5, NLRP3) and inflammasome activation Therapeutic targeting of NK and T cell effector functions Awards: Premio Fondazione Dr. Ettore Balli (2018) Pfizer Research Prize (2019) Friedrich Miescher Award (2020) Advising & Grants: Leads an internationally recognized research group funded by SNSF and ERC grants. Active in training early-career scientists in immunology and molecular biology. Serves on the SNSF Evaluation Panel (Biology/Medicine) and as President-Elect of the Swiss Society for Allergology and Immunology (SSAI). Labs/Teams: Directs the Immune Mechanisms Group at IRB, focusing on translational immunology with a strong emphasis on clinical applications in oncology and infectious diseases.

Ludovic TailleuxView profile

Research Professor

• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Tuberculosis Immunology
• Innate Immunity
• +4 more

Ludovic Tailleux is a Research Professor at the Pasteur Institute , specializing in host-pathogen interactions and tuberculosis immunology . His work focuses on the innate immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, particularly in human dendritic cells and macrophages. He has identified DC-SIGN/CD209 as a critical host cell receptor for M. tuberculosis and collaborates with Laurent Barreiro (University of Montreal) on genetic determinants of immune variation. Education : Not explicitly detailed in the text, but inferred from research depth to include advanced training in immunology/microbiology. Tailleux's research spans innate immunity , antigen presentation , genetic architecture of immune response , and host-directed therapies . His projects include identifying host genetic factors affecting M. tuberculosis interplay and analyzing epigenetic changes in immune cells. The 15 most recent publications highlight trends in zinc toxicity mechanisms , nanocarrier drug delivery , microRNA regulation , and purinergic signaling in TB pathogenesis. He contributes to educational initiatives, including an upcoming MOOC on Tuberculosis (2025) at Pasteur Institute. Collaborative efforts with institutions like University of Montreal and technical teams at Pasteur are central to his work. Tailleux also investigates macrophage polarization , angiogenesis exploitation by TB , and innate immune reprogramming through DNA methylation studies.

Andreas SchlitzerView profile

Professor

• Immunology
• Systems Biology
• Myeloid Cell Development
• +8 more

Professor Andreas Schlitzer leads the Quantitative Systems Biology research group at the Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) , University of Bonn. His work focuses on myeloid cell development, particularly dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages, using single-cell sequencing and computational approaches. Institution: University of Bonn Research Unit: LIMES Institute, Unit 2 (Molecular Immune & Cell Biology) His research investigates how immune cells acquire tissue-specific adaptations and functional specialization through transcriptomic and functional studies. Recent projects include spatial-omics techniques for gastrointestinal analysis and understanding macrophage heterogeneity in inflammatory contexts. Key article trends highlight innate immunity , metabolic reprogramming , developmental cell biology , and computational immunology . Awards include the Postdoktorandenpreis der Robert-Koch-Stiftung . The lab employs cutting-edge flow cytometry , in vivo assays , and multiplexed tissue imaging to map myeloid cell systems.

Patrick KennedyView profile

Clinical Professor

• Viral Hepatitis
• Translational Hepatology
• Immunology
• +9 more

Professor Patrick Kennedy is a Clinical Professor of Translational Hepatology at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry , Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), and a Consultant Hepatologist at Barts Health NHS Trust. His research focuses on the translational aspects of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, particularly in young adults, and he leads the dedicated young adult liver service at The Royal London Hospital. Research Themes : Redefining disease phases in Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB), age-related immune responses, treatment endpoints in CHB, and immune-mediated liver injury mechanisms. Collaborations : Works with national institutions like UCL, Imperial College London, and international partners such as Duke-NUS Medical School (Singapore) and University of Rome Tor Vergata (Italy). Teaching : Chairs the MSc in Gastroenterology program and contributes to undergraduate MBBS teaching, including bedside clinical instruction and virology modules.

M. Edward MedofView profile

Professor

• Complement System
• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• +5 more

M. Edward Medof is a Professor in the Department of Pathology, School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, with additional appointments in the Department of Medicine and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. He is also a Member of the Immune Oncology Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Medof’s research focuses on complement system regulation, particularly decay-accelerating factor (DAF/CD55) and membrane cofactor protein (MCP/CD46), and their roles in self/non-self discrimination, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders like paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). His work spans immunology, molecular biology, and cancer biology. Research projects include elucidating complement regulators’ roles in immune adherence, PNH pathogenesis, GPI-anchor biosynthesis, and therapeutic applications of cell-surface engineering. Key contributions include discoveries about DAF’s structural and functional mechanisms, the role of complement in T cell costimulation, and the development of DAF knockout mouse models. His studies also address complement’s role in liver disease, myasthenia gravis, and tumor cell vaccines. Publications highlight over 95 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on complement biology’s interplay with immunity, cancer, and genetic disorders. Notable recent work includes studies on KLF4/CD55 crosstalk (2024), C3a/C5a receptor signaling in regulatory T cells (2023), and VEGFR2 survival mechanisms (2019). His research bridges basic science and clinical applications, emphasizing translational potential in immunotherapy and disease modeling. Dr. Medof’s lab employs techniques ranging from molecular biology and structural NMR to in vivo murine models. Collaborations extend across immunology, oncology, and hepatology, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his contributions to biomedical science.

Emiel van der VorstView profile

Researcher

• Cardiovascular Research
• Atherosclerosis
• Immunology
• +6 more

Dr. Emiel van der Vorst is a cardiovascular researcher focusing on atherosclerosis, immunometabolism, and translational medicine . His work spans molecular mechanisms, therapeutic targeting, and omics-based approaches. Affiliation: Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR) Research Focus: Chemokine signaling, microRNA therapeutics, immune-metabolic interactions Research Trends: Recent publications highlight his exploration of microRNA-26b in metabolic liver disease GPR55 receptor in cardiomyocyte adaptation calcium-sensing receptor in sex-specific atherosclerosis aryl hydrocarbon receptor in gut-liver-cardiovascular axis His work integrates nanomedicine, genetic models, and clinical biomarker development .

• Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology
• Leukemia
• Myeloid Malignancies
• +7 more

Kristian Gurashi is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Mead Group at the University of Oxford, focusing on Normal and Malignant Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology . His work integrates multiomic approaches to study myeloid malignancies such as chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), myelofibrosis, and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Key Research Areas: Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Myeloid Malignancies Single-Cell Genomics Organoid Modeling Precision Medicine Immune Suppression Mechanisms His recent publications highlight the application of single-cell sequencing , spatial transcriptomics , and organoid models to dissect clonal evolution, microenvironmental interactions, and therapeutic resistance. Notable trends include studies on TP53 mutations , JAK2 allelic burden , and MDMX expression as prognostic and therapeutic indicators. His work also explores inflammatory signaling and aberrant cell communication in disease progression.

• Immunology
• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Tumor Immunology
• +3 more

Todd Triplett serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's School of Pharmacy, where his research integrates immunology and oncology to address cancer mechanisms and immune responses. Education: PhD in Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University (2012) BS in Biology, St. Edward's University (2006) His work centers on cancer immunotherapy , particularly T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and solid tumors, with significant contributions to understanding IDO-mediated immune suppression and kynurenine pathway dynamics. Recent research extends to infectious disease immunology , analyzing longitudinal immune trajectories in COVID-19 patients through the IMPACC consortium, and investigating myeloid cell roles in tumor microenvironments. Publication trends (2020-2024) reveal concentrated efforts in translational applications: HDAC inhibitors (bocodepsin) for immunotherapy combinations, immune checkpoint blockade in gastrointestinal cancers, and mechanistic studies of viral immune responses. These reflect multi-institutional collaborations focused on clinical translation. Scientific Awards: No major awards documented in current profile While specific advising relationships or grant details are unlisted, his involvement in first-in-human clinical trials (e.g., bocodepsin) and large consortia like IMPACC indicates active grant-supported research. Collaborative networks span cancer immunology and pandemic response initiatives. Dr. Triplett participates in cross-institutional teams including the IMPACC study for SARS-CoV-2 research and TTUHSC-based groups developing novel immunotherapies, with recent work emphasizing rational drug combinations for solid tumors and leukemia.

• Immunology
• Single-Cell Genomics
• Inflammatory Diseases
• +3 more

Dr. Emily Stephenson is a researcher at Newcastle University specializing in immunology, single-cell genomics, and inflammatory disease mechanisms. Her work spans multi-omics analysis of severe diseases, developmental biology, and computational modeling of cellular interactions. Collaborates with leading experts like Professor Muzlifah Haniffa and Professor Christopher Stewart Focuses on T cell dynamics, myeloid interactions, and immune dysfunction in conditions like severe COVID-19 Key contributor to single-cell mapping of human immunity across organs and developmental stages Research Trends: Her recent publications highlight cross-disciplinary studies of immune system behavior in viral infections, inflammatory diseases, and developmental contexts. Sub-fields include spatial cellular mapping, metaplasia mechanisms, and computational modeling of immune-microenvironment interactions. Key Collaborations: Active in large-scale consortia projects like RECOVERY and single-cell atlas initiatives, often integrating multi-omics approaches to study disease pathogenesis and development.

Stephen FryeView profile

Professor

• Oncology Drug Discovery
• Chromatin Regulation
• Epigenetics
• +3 more

Dr. Stephen Frye is the Fred Eshelman Distinguished Professor of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), where he co-founded and previously directed the Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery (CICBDD). He holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from UNC Chapel Hill (1987) and a B.S. from North Carolina State University (1983). Before academia, he served as Vice President of Discovery Medicinal Chemistry at GlaxoSmithKline, overseeing global drug discovery programs that produced FDA-approved oncology drugs like Avodart, Tykerb, and Pazopanib. His research focuses on chromatin regulation mediated by methyl-lysine modifications, developing chemical probes for epigenetic reader domains, and targeting TAM receptors (e.g., MERTK) in cancer immunotherapy. Key projects include inhibitors for cancer resistance pathways and synergistic combinations with existing therapies. Recent work explores FERM domain inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease and combinatorial strategies to overcome EGFR-mutant lung cancer resistance. Dr. Frye’s lab has advanced 130+ publications in chemical and medicinal chemistry, and his CICBDD collaborative projects have advanced clinical candidates into human trials. His scientific achievements include the 2021 AAAS Fellowship for oncology drug discovery contributions.

Lucas ChangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Immunometabolism
• T Cell Biology
• Cancer Immunology
• +7 more

Lucas Chang is an Assistant Professor affiliated with the Jackson Laboratory (JAX) and the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering (GSBSE) at the University of Maine. His research is centered on immunometabolism, with a focus on understanding how metabolic pathways regulate immune cell behavior in disease contexts such as cancer and autoimmunity. He leads a laboratory investigating T cell reprogramming within the tumor microenvironment, bridging immunology, metabolism, oncology, and bioinformatics. Dr. Chang earned his D.Phil. (Ph.D.) from the University of Oxford in 2010. His work has consistently explored the metabolic regulation of immune cells, particularly T cells, and its implications for therapeutic interventions. His research interests lie at the intersection of immunology and metabolism, with specific emphasis on T cell metabolic reprogramming , immune cell fate , and metabolic competition in the tumor microenvironment . His lab investigates how cellular and molecular metabolic events control immune responses during disease progression, aiming to develop novel strategies for immunotherapy, drug development, and disease prognosis. His work has significant implications for cancer treatment and autoimmune disorders like lupus. His recent publications (2023–2025) demonstrate a sustained and impactful research trajectory, with primary research articles and reviews appearing in top-tier journals such as Cell , Immunity , and Nature Immunology . The articles reveal a consistent theme of dissecting the metabolic dependencies of immune cells—T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells—under stress conditions like glucose restriction or chronic activation, and how these pathways can be therapeutically targeted in cancer and autoimmune diseases. Dr. Chang has not been mentioned to have received specific scientific awards in the provided text. He is actively involved in research and mentorship, as evidenced by his primary authorship on recent publications and his role as a principal investigator. His lab develops and publishes detailed protocols, indicating a commitment to methodological rigor and scientific sharing. He collaborates with a broad network of researchers across institutions. His laboratory, referred to as the 'Chang Bio' lab, is actively engaged in research on immune cell metabolism, utilizing advanced techniques like the Seahorse Extracellular Flux Analyzer for bioenergetic profiling and transcriptomic analysis to understand metabolic pathways in health and disease.

William K DeckerView profile

Associate Professor

• Cancer immunotherapy
• Dendritic cell vaccination
• TH polarization
• +3 more

William K Decker, Ph.D. serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology & Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine's School of Medicine, and is an active member of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. BS from Tufts University (1994) PhD from Baylor College of Medicine (2001) Decker's research focuses on cancer immunotherapy , particularly dendritic cell vaccination strategies and T-helper cell polarization mechanisms . His work explores how innate immune signaling pathways regulate antitumor immunity and how these can be harnessed for therapeutic interventions. A significant portion of his research investigates the role of dendritic cells in bridging innate and adaptive immunity, with applications in both oncology and infectious disease contexts. His laboratory has developed novel approaches combining chemo-immunotherapy and vaccine adjuvants to overcome tumor immune evasion. Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent focus on translational immunology , with recurring themes in T-cell differentiation , vaccine adjuvant development , and microenvironment modulation . His work spans basic mechanistic studies of immune regulation to preclinical therapeutic models, including innovative canine cancer studies that bridge veterinary and human medicine. Contributing author to Halifax Project's integrative cancer prevention framework Multiple invited review articles in Seminars in Cancer Biology and Carcinogenesis Decker has established collaborative research programs focusing on dendritic cell therapeutics for immunocompromised patients, including novel approaches for influenza prophylaxis in high-risk populations. His work with cord blood-derived immune cells demonstrates particular innovation in developing cellular immunotherapies for challenging clinical scenarios. The laboratory maintains active investigations into immune evasion mechanisms and strategies to overcome therapeutic resistance in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Current research efforts include developing combination immunotherapy approaches for pancreatic cancer and investigating AIMp1's role in TH1 polarization for enhanced antitumor immunity. The laboratory maintains strong translational focus with multiple projects in preclinical development stages.