Arion Kennedy

Dr. Arion Kennedy serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry at North Carolina State University and is affiliated with the Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease (CGIBD) at UNC Chapel Hill, contributing to the Regeneration and Repair focus area.

Her research program investigates immunometabolism with emphasis on hepatic CD8+ T cells in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD/MASH). She examines nutrient-immune interactions in obesity-related liver pathology, demonstrating CD8+ T cells' critical role in obese MASH progression and correlation with stellate cell activation in human cirrhosis. Current work targets neoantigen identification for T cell-directed therapies in MASH and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Pilot and Feasibility Award 2020 (CGIBD)

Funding support derives from a NIH K01 grant investigating hepatic CD8+ T cells in MASLD. Her laboratory at NC State operates within Polk Hall and collaborates with Dr. Carroll through the CGIBD consortium.