Elisabet Berthold is affiliated with Lund University as a Physician in Rheumatology and a Researcher at the Center of Pediatric Rheumatology. Her research focuses on Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), pediatric rheumatology, autoimmunity, and inflammation. She leads the CLASSIC study (2024–2030) and contributed to the JIA macrophage project (2015–2022). Her work addresses comorbidities in JIA, pediatric inflammatory syndromes, and biomarker discovery. Recent publications explore synovial fibroblast roles, monocyte-driven inflammation, and post-COVID complications. She collaborates internationally and actively contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health.
Hernandez Moura Silva is an Assistant Professor of Biology at MIT and a Core Member of the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT & Harvard. His research focuses on immune-related pathways modulating organ and tissue physiology to develop therapeutic strategies for human diseases. His lab, the Laboratory of ImmunoPhysiology, employs an interdisciplinary approach to study macrophage biology and immune-tissue interactions. Education: PhD in Biology from the University of São Paulo (2011), MSc in Molecular Biology from the University of Brasilia (2008), and BS in Biology from the University of Brasilia (2005). Research Interests: Immunology, Tissue Physiology, Metabolic Syndrome, Inflammatory Disease, Macrophage Biology, and Immunotherapy. His work emphasizes how immune cells like macrophages maintain tissue homeostasis and contribute to pathologies like obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. Notable Awards: 2012 CAPES Thesis Award (Brazil). Grants & Collaborations: His work is supported by initiatives like the HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholar program. He collaborates widely, evidenced by co-authored studies on topics like p53 mutation effects in pancreatic cancer and Th17 cell regulation. Labs/Teams: Leads the ImmunoPhysiology Lab at MIT, integrating immunology, physiology, and systems biology to study immune-tissue interfaces.
Amit Tripathi is a Research Assistant Professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center's College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, affiliated with the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics. He holds a PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University and completed postdoctoral training at the University of North Dakota and UNT Health Science Center. His research focuses on designing short peptides as therapeutic agents for cancer and sepsis, particularly targeting the MIEN1 signaling pathway and antimicrobial peptides with reduced cytotoxicity to normal cells. Key techniques include molecular biology assays (e.g., ELISA, qPCR), in vivo mouse models, and peptide design against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Current projects include developing inhibitors for metastatic TNBC and exploring annexin A2 as a predictive biomarker for chemotherapy responsiveness. His work spans translational cancer research, immunomodulation, and structural peptide analysis. Research interests include anticancer peptides, structural motifs (e.g., GXXXXG and phenylalanine zippers), and translational applications of peptides in cancer and infectious disease. Notable contributions include first-in-class MIEN1-targeted peptides and MD2-derived peptides that neutralize LPS-induced sepsis. Recent articles emphasize peptide-based therapies, nanoparticle drug delivery, and biomarker discovery. He collaborates on grants like the UNTHSC Foundation-funded project on inhibitory peptides for TNBC. Lab activities involve peptide design, cancer cell line maintenance, and biochemical assays (e.g., HPLC, fluorescence). His expertise bridges basic science and clinical applications, with a focus on overcoming challenges in cancer metastasis and antibiotic resistance.
Matthew Lanza is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Comparative Medicine , focusing on veterinary pathology and comparative medicine. His research emphasizes rodent models in cancer therapy evaluation, immunotherapy efficacy (e.g., CAR-T cells), and immune responses to infectious agents. He has contributed to studies on wound healing biomaterials and histopathological scoring systems. Research Interests: Dr. Lanza’s work spans cancer immunotherapy, infectious disease pathogenesis, and translational medicine. He collaborates across disciplines to assess therapeutic toxicity and efficacy in preclinical models. Recent studies include mechanisms of antimicrobial defense in intestinal fibroblasts and the role of red blood cells in sepsis host responses. Awards: Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2023) Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2024) Key Contributions: His publications address critical areas such as biomaterial biocompatibility, electronic cigarette lung toxicity, and Yersinia infection dynamics. He maintains active collaborations in veterinary pathology and translational biomedical research.
Overview Philip M. McCabe is a Professor and Chairman of the Department of Psychology at the University of Miami's College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on the intersection of neuroendocrinology, immunology, and cardiovascular health, with particular emphasis on oxytocin's role in metabolic regulation, inflammation, and disease progression. He has led studies on animal models (e.g., rabbits, mice) to explore stress-induced physiological changes and their impact on chronic conditions like atherosclerosis and diabetes. Research Interests Oxytocin signaling pathways in metabolic and inflammatory processes Social stress and its cardiovascular implications Psychoneuroimmunology in oncology and chronic disease Animal models of atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome Key Contributions Dr. McCabe's work demonstrates oxytocin's protective effects against atherosclerosis and insulin resistance, particularly in hyperlipidemic rabbits. He has also elucidated how chronic social stress modulates sympathetic nervous system activity and adipose tissue inflammation. His methodologies include fluorescent imaging optimization for cellular structure analysis and translational approaches linking psychosocial factors to disease outcomes. Grants & Collaborations Collaborations include work with Armando J. Mendez, Angela Szeto, and Neil Schneiderman, focusing on oxytocin's dual roles in health and disease. Funding areas include NIH grants for stress-related cardiovascular research and endocrine mechanisms in cancer.
Joseph M. Luna, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine. He leads the Luna Lab, which focuses on RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in viral infections and cellular stress responses. His work uses positive-sense RNA viruses as models to study viral replication, innate immunity, and host-pathogen interactions. Member of the Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics Member of the Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics Program at Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Director of the Advanced RNA Profiling Core PhD from The Rockefeller University (2015) Postdoctoral training at The Rockefeller University Research interests include: - Subcellular RBP:RNA interaction mapping using novel spatial CLIP techniques - Dynamics of RBPs during viral infections (HCV/SARS-CoV-2) - RBP networks in innate immunity - Development of advanced RNA-profiling methods Recent work emphasizes: - Spatial resolution of RNA interactions in viral replication organelles - CRISPR-based screening for host factors in coronavirus infections - Systems-level modeling of RBP activities Key achievements include: - Co-developed SARS-CoV-2 replicon systems enabling antiviral research - Identified miR-122 sequestration mechanisms in hepatitis C infection - Trained students from underrepresented groups in biomedical research Labs/Teams: - Advanced RNA Profiling Core facility director - Collaborations with virology, immunology, and systems biology groups
Ramon Lorenzo Redondo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. His research focuses on viral evolution, host-virus interactions, and genomic analysis of RNA viruses like HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. He is affiliated with the Center for Human Immunobiology, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, and Global Health Institute. Dr. Redondo holds a PhD from Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (2011). His work integrates molecular biology, bioinformatics, and epidemiology to understand viral persistence, reservoir formation, and treatment strategies. Key areas include HIV latency mechanisms, SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism, and evolutionary pressures from antiviral therapies. He serves as Guest Editor for Viruses (Special Issue on SARS-CoV-2 Genomics) and Review Editor for Frontiers in Virology . Education: PhD in Virology, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (2011) Affiliations: Center for Human Immunobiology, Global Health Institute (focusing on communicable diseases) Editorial roles: Viruses , Frontiers in Virology , and multiple journals His recent publications address HIV distribution in tissues, SARS-CoV-2 evolution in the CNS, and immunotherapy strategies for viral reservoirs. His lab explores T cell responses in severe pneumonia and develops tools like Viralvar for genomic visualization. Dr. Redondo collaborates internationally, including studies in Nigeria and Guinea, to enhance global genomic surveillance and combat viral pandemics.
Hiam Abdala Valencia is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine (Pulmonary and Critical Care) at Northwestern University. She is affiliated with the Center for Human Immunobiology and the Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics. Her research focuses on immune system mechanisms in lung diseases and autoimmunity, particularly exploring T-cell responses, mitochondrial roles in regulatory T-cell function, and genetic factors influencing fetal immune cell development. Education details unavailable in provided text Her work examines how immune responses influence patient outcomes in severe respiratory infections like SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, genetic drivers of premature birth complications, and novel therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and pulmonary fibrosis. Her studies integrate immunology, genetics, and clinical medicine to advance precision treatments. Notable research includes demonstrating mitochondrial proteins' critical role in immunosuppression and identifying distinct T-cell profiles correlating with pneumonia severity. She has contributed to understanding fetal monocyte genetic differences impacting neonatal health and collaborated on studies linking genetic profiling to rheumatoid arthritis treatment efficacy. No specific scientific awards listed in provided information. Advising and grants: While no student names are provided, her research involves interdisciplinary teams investigating viral pneumonia mechanisms and lung repair. The text mentions a $14M NHLBI grant led by Karen Ridge, though Hiam's specific role in this initiative is not detailed. She participates in studies involving tissue repair pathways and fibrotic processes. Affiliated with Northwestern's Center for Human Immunobiology and Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, her work bridges immunological research with translational therapies targeting complex lung and autoimmune conditions.
Massimiliano Mazzone is a Full Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Oncology, where he serves as head of the Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis (VIB-KU Leuven) and is a member of both the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology and the KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI). Previously, he held a part-time full professor position at the University of Turin's Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences from 2019-2022. Dr. Mazzone's research primarily focuses on the tumor microenvironment, with emphasis on tumor-associated macrophages, immunotherapy resistance mechanisms, cancer metabolism, angiogenesis, and tumor inflammation. His work explores how metabolic reprogramming in both tumor and immune cells affects cancer progression and response to therapy, particularly examining the role of macrophages in creating immunosuppressive environments and how to reprogram them for therapeutic benefit. His recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on metabolic regulation of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, particularly examining how tumor-associated macrophages and T cells interact metabolically to influence immunotherapy response. Key themes include metabolic re-education of immune cells, acidosis in the tumor microenvironment, nucleotide metabolism in immunosuppression, and identifying novel metabolic targets to enhance immunotherapy efficacy across various cancer types including pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma. Dr. Mazzone currently leads multiple research projects extending through 2029, including investigations into eicosanoid metabolism in immunotherapy resistance, synthetic lethality approaches targeting therapy-resistant cancer cells, epigenetic regulation of tumor-associated macrophages, and metabolic pathways in T cell function. His laboratory has secured significant funding for these innovative approaches to overcoming cancer treatment resistance. As an academic supervisor, Dr. Mazzone has mentored several doctoral students including Simões Faria R.S., Pretto S., and Vanmeerbeek I., contributing to the development of next-generation cancer researchers focused on the intersection of immunology and metabolism.
Shuhua Bai, Ph.D., is Professor of Pharmaceutics in the Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences at Western New England University (WNE). His work integrates pharmaceutical nanotechnology with biotechnology to design next-generation drug-delivery systems that overcome absorption, stability, and targeting challenges. Education Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center M.S. in Medicinal Chemistry – Shenyang Pharmaceutical University B.S. in Chemical Pharmaceutics – Shenyang Pharmaceutical University Research Focus Dr. Bai’s laboratory exploits both synthetic and natural nanoplatforms—liposomes, polymeric micelles, and exosomes—to achieve precise spatiotemporal delivery of small molecules, proteins, siRNA, mRNA, and CRISPR/Cas9 systems. Key emphases include: Non-viral gene-delivery carriers for enhanced encapsulation efficiency and reduced immunogenicity Exosome isolation, bioengineering, and targeting for inflammatory-disease and cancer therapy AI/ML-driven formulation optimization using design-of-experiment (DoE) strategies In-vitro–in-vivo correlation (IVIVC) and PK/PD evaluation of nanoformulations Grant Portfolio & Funding Trajectory Active support spans federal agencies (USDA/NIFA and NIH/NIBIB) and private foundations (AACP, Maine Cancer Foundation). Current awards total > $1 M and focus on broccoli-sprout-derived exosomes for inflammatory-bowel-disease therapy and cell-homing exosomes to reverse multidrug resistance in brain tumors. Scientific Recognition American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) New Investigator Award Meritorious Manuscript Award, Pharmaceutical Research Maine IDe Network of Biomedical Research Excellence Fellowship Multiple Maine Cancer Foundation Pilot Research Grants Teaching & Mentorship Dr. Bai teaches core Pharm.D. courses (Pharmaceutics, Advanced Drug-Delivery Systems, Compounding Laboratory, Drug Development & Approval, Analytical Techniques) and has mentored > 20 graduate and undergraduate researchers whose names appear as co-authors on peer-reviewed papers. Laboratory & Collaborative Networks The Bai Research Group operates within the university’s Center for Sciences & Pharmacy, collaborating across disciplines with investigators in biomedical engineering, cancer biology, and computational sciences. Ongoing partnerships include zebrafish-based in vivo screening cores and external NIH-funded consortia.
Thomas Kelley, PhD is Professor in the Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences and Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, where he also serves as Director of the Epithelial Cell Core. His research spans cystic fibrosis pathophysiology, inflammatory signaling mechanisms, microtubule regulation, and MIRAGE syndrome. Dr. Kelley received his B.A. from the College of Wooster (1988) and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Notre Dame (1993), followed by postdoctoral training at CWRU in Mitchell Drumm's laboratory. His academic appointments reflect dual expertise in genetics and pharmacology, positioning him at the intersection of basic science and therapeutic development. His laboratory investigates four primary research thrusts: (1) The mechanistic link between CFTR dysfunction and altered cell signaling, identifying key changes including increased RhoA signaling, reduced IFN-γ/STAT1 activation, and impaired cholesterol processing; (2) Therapeutic targets for CF including HDAC6 inhibitors and statins that reverse CF phenotypes in mouse models; (3) Membrane cholesterol as a biomarker for CFTR function in collaboration with James Burgess; and (4) Cellular mechanisms of MIRAGE syndrome related to SAMD9 mutations and intracellular transport. Recent work demonstrates how microtubule stability impacts intracellular transport in CF, with HDAC6 inhibition showing therapeutic promise. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2020-2025) reveals evolving research directions integrating AI-assisted immune analysis, novel bronchoscopic delivery methods, and exploration of CF's neurological dimensions. His work maintains strong translational focus, connecting molecular mechanisms to potential clinical applications while expanding into circadian biology and neurodegenerative aspects of CF. Dr. Kelley's laboratory maintains extensive collaborations across CWRU, particularly with Mitchell Drumm, James Burgess, Charles Cotton, and Robert Darrah. His Epithelial Cell Core provides critical resources for researchers studying epithelial function across multiple organ systems. Current grant funding supports investigations into HDAC6 modulation, cholesterol biomarkers, and MIRAGE syndrome pathophysiology, with emphasis on identifying novel therapeutic targets for cystic fibrosis and related conditions.
Jennillee Wallace, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity at Rush Medical College, Rush University, Chicago. Her research centers on understanding how myeloid cells contribute to HIV-induced inflammation and associated comorbidities, including HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), through the investigation of signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin. PhD, Rush University Graduate College MS, Rush University Graduate College BA, Lake Forest College Her research focuses on the role of myeloid cells—particularly macrophages and monocytes—in HIV pathogenesis, with a strong emphasis on how antiretroviral therapies impact cellular function. She investigates how Wnt signaling modulates immune cell behavior, HIV latency, and neuroinflammation. Her work also extends to understanding cytokine dysregulation in astrocytes and impaired wound healing in diabetic conditions, highlighting her interdisciplinary approach at the intersection of immunology, virology, and neurobiology. Her recent publications (2014–2024) reflect a consistent focus on HIV immunology and cellular signaling. Key themes include mitochondrial dysfunction induced by antiretrovirals, β-catenin’s role in HIV latency and reactivation, astrocyte infection and viral egress from the CNS, and immune regulation in chronic inflammatory conditions. Her work appears in high-impact journals such as PLoS Pathogens , Journal of Immunology , and Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy , demonstrating strong translational and mechanistic insights. While no specific awards are listed in the provided text, her work has been widely recognized through citations, media coverage, and inclusion in news outlets, blogs, patents, and Wikipedia, indicating significant scientific impact. Jennillee Wallace actively collaborates with leading researchers such as Dr. Lena Al-Harthi and contributes to a vibrant research environment at Rush University. She advises no named students in the provided material and leads no explicitly described lab or team, but her publication record indicates active mentorship and collaboration. Her ongoing research suggests future directions in targeting signaling pathways to mitigate HIV-related inflammation and comorbidities.
Theo Bijma is a researcher at the University of Groningen, specializing in immunology and autoimmune diseases. His work contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health and well-being. He collaborates extensively within the field of medical sciences, focusing on clinical and experimental immunology. Research Interests Molecular mechanisms in autoimmune diseases like granulomatosis with polyangiitis and ANCA-associated vasculitis Role of B cells in kidney transplant rejection Immune profiling and dysregulation in autoimmune conditions HLA-G-positive trophoblasts and prenatal diagnostics Scientific Network Collaborates with institutions like University Medical Center Groningen Active in pharmacology, toxicology, and cellular biology Focuses on cytokine production, immune regulatory molecules, and neoplasm Engaged in histone deacetylase inhibition and fusion protein research
David O. Bates is Professor of Vascular Biology in the Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells at the University of Nottingham's School of Medicine. His research focuses on vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), particularly their alternative splicing mechanisms and roles in physiological regulation and disease processes. Professor Bates' work spans multiple disciplines including vascular biology, cancer research, and diabetic complications. His laboratory investigates how VEGF splicing variants, particularly the anti-angiogenic VEGF-A 165 b isoform, function as homeostatic regulators in healthy tissues. His team has demonstrated VEGF's critical roles in maintaining blood volume and pressure, interstitial volume, renal and lung function, immunity, and nervous system signaling. Current research examines how dysregulation of VEGF splicing contributes to pathological conditions including cancer, diabetic retinopathy, neuropathic pain, and vascular permeability disorders. Analysis of Professor Bates' recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on therapeutic targeting of the SRPK1-VEGF-A splicing pathway. His work spans from basic molecular mechanisms of alternative splicing to translational applications in diabetic eye disease, peripheral vascular disease, and arthritis. Several of his recent studies focus on developing topical treatments for diabetic macular edema with high retinal bioavailability and minimal systemic exposure. Professor Bates has made significant contributions to understanding the physiological roles of VEGF beyond its well-known angiogenic functions. His work has demonstrated VEGF's homeostatic functions in healthy adult tissues and how disturbances in VEGF signaling contribute to disease processes. This research has important implications for developing targeted therapies that preserve VEGF's beneficial homeostatic functions while inhibiting its pathological effects. His research program includes collaborations across multiple institutions and disciplines, reflecting the broad relevance of VEGF biology to numerous physiological systems and disease processes. Professor Bates serves as a corresponding author on numerous high-impact publications and continues to advance our understanding of vascular biology through innovative research approaches.
Megan Ruhland, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Medicine, holding primary appointments in the Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology and a secondary appointment in Dermatology. Her research focuses on re-educating immune cells to combat cancer, particularly through antigen-presenting cell interactions with T cells. Education: B.S., 2009, Creighton University Ph.D., 2015, Washington University in St. Louis The Ruhland Lab investigates immune system dynamics in cancer progression and tissue homeostasis. Key areas include dendritic cell biology, tumor microenvironment interactions, and innate immunity modulation. Her work spans melanoma research, myeloid cell functions, and immunotherapeutic strategies. Scientific contributions highlight trends in cancer immunology, tumor-immune crosstalk, and microenvironmental signaling. Publications demonstrate expertise in antigen presentation (2020), stromal cell senescence (2016), and MAPK pathway regulation (2011). Scientific Awards: Cancer Research Institute, Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship Professional affiliations include membership in the American Association for Cancer Research and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer.
