Karthik Chandiran

Dr. Karthik Chandiran is a Research Fellow at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER TVM), focusing on T cell biology and immune response mechanisms. He earned his B.Tech in Industrial Biotechnology from Anna University and a PhD from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst under Dr. Lisa Minter, followed by postdoctoral work at the University of Connecticut Health Center with Dr. Linda Cauley. His research explores how adaptive immune cells combat pathogens through differentiation and memory formation.

• Education:
• B.Tech, Industrial Biotechnology – Center for Biotechnology, Anna University
• PhD – University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Chandiran investigates T cell differentiation during autoimmune and infectious disease contexts, leveraging biochemistry, molecular biology, and NGS technology. His work reveals molecular mechanisms enabling limited immune cell populations to counter diverse pathogens through dynamic signaling pathways and genetic programs.

Key publications highlight his expertise in SMAD/TGFβ signaling (2022-2023), Notch-NF-κB interactions (2014), and translational applications in graft-vs-host disease (2019). Research trends emphasize immune cell plasticity and pathogen-driven regulatory networks.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Ramalingaswami Reentry Fellowship (DBT, 2023)
  • ICMR Fellowship (DHR, 2023)
  • Ramanujan Fellowship (DST-SERB, 2023)
  • AAI Career Fellowships and Keystone Scholarships

As a principal investigator, Chandiran leads the T-Cell Biology Lab at IISER TVM, addressing fundamental immunology challenges related to aging and pathogen diversity.