معرفی
Dr. Santhakumar Manicassamy is a Professor at Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia, with joint appointments in the Department of Medicine (Infectious Disease), Georgia Cancer Center, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He is actively affiliated with The Graduate School, contributing to doctoral education and research mentorship.
Research Interests: Dr. Manicassamy's research centers on the molecular mechanisms by which innate immune cells—particularly dendritic cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs)—shape adaptive immune responses. His lab investigates how pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, retinoic acid (RA)-RXR, and lactate metabolism regulate immune tolerance, anti-tumor immunity, chronic inflammation, and responses to mucosal pathogens. A major focus is on harnessing these mechanisms to develop novel vaccines and immunotherapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Recent Research Trends: Analysis of his recent publications (2020–2025) reveals a strong emphasis on the interplay between metabolism (lactate, vitamin A), microbiota, and immune regulation in the gut and tumor microenvironment. His work increasingly integrates systems-level approaches to understand how APCs modulate systemic immunity, with implications for colitis-associated cancer, autoimmune neuroinflammation, and kidney injury. Several studies highlight the role of Wnt signaling and transcription factors like TCF4 and RXRα in immune homeostasis.
Scientific Awards and Recognition:
- Faculty of 1000 Exceptional rating (20) for Science (2010) paper
- Featured in Top Reads, Journal of Immunology (2021)
- Highlighted in Science, Nature Reviews Immunology, and Immunotherapy
- Top 10% review in Seminars in Immunology (2009)
- Rated among top 7 immunology papers in F1000
Advising and Service: Dr. Manicassamy serves on dissertation committees and has mentored graduate students. He is an active peer reviewer, having served on NIH study sections, as an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Immunology, and as an ad hoc reviewer for UKRI Medical Research Council. He also contributes to institutional service on the IACUC and departmental advisory committees.
Laboratory and Team: The Manicassamy Lab is based at the M. Bert Storey Research Building in Augusta, GA. The lab team includes Janice Randall, Lab Manager. The group employs molecular, cellular, and in vivo models to dissect immune signaling pathways in cancer and inflammation.
