Qibin Liao | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Qibin Liao | Immunology | Best Researcher Award 

Assistant Researcher, at Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, China.

Dr. Qibin Liao (b. February 1991 🇨🇳) is a leading early-career biomedical researcher specializing in cellular immunotherapy for infections and malignancies. Currently an Assistant Researcher at Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, affiliated with the Southern University of Science and Technology, he focuses on the development of next-generation CAR-T cell therapies. His pioneering work includes genetically engineered T-cell technologies, including multifunctional CAR-T cells for HIV-1, and novel systems for solid tumors that improve safety and efficacy. Dr. Liao’s contributions have been widely recognized in high-impact journals such as EMBO Molecular Medicine, Biomedicines, and Cell Discovery. 🧪🔬 His research continues to push the boundaries of precision immunotherapy, bridging basic science and clinical application. He has also been awarded substantial national-level research funding and plays critical roles in multiple R&D programs. Through innovative designs and clinical translation, he is reshaping the future of personalized medicine and cancer treatment. 🌍💉

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

🎓 Education

Dr. Qibin Liao began his academic journey at Southern Medical University where he earned a Bachelor of Medicine in Preventive Medicine (2010–2015). His strong foundation in public health and disease prevention laid the groundwork for his later focus on translational immunotherapy. 🚑🧠 He further advanced his training by pursuing a Ph.D. in Medical Systems Biology at Fudan University (2015–2021), one of China’s top-tier research institutions. Here, he honed his expertise in systems-level analysis and experimental techniques related to T-cell engineering and immunological signaling. His doctoral research contributed to the development of hypoxia-inducible CAR-T systems—a novel approach to improve safety and specificity in cancer therapy. 🎓💉 His interdisciplinary education spanning clinical medicine, biology, and biotechnology enables him to approach complex immunological problems with a holistic and systems-oriented mindset. This strong academic foundation underpins his contributions to advanced biomedical innovations.

💼 Professional Experience

Since October 2021, Dr. Liao has served as an Assistant Researcher at Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology. 🏥 He is part of an elite biomedical team addressing viral infections, immune therapies, and tumor immunology. His role includes designing synthetic CAR-T constructs, leading clinical translational research, and supervising junior researchers in immunotherapy development. 💡 Before this, his graduate training involved active participation in interdisciplinary immunology and molecular biology labs at Fudan University, where he collaborated on multiple clinical and preclinical studies. His career is marked by a strategic blend of basic science and applied therapeutic innovation. Dr. Liao also serves as Principal Investigator (PI) and co-leader in several national programs funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and National Key R&D Program, demonstrating both scientific leadership and administrative excellence. 🧪📊

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Liao’s research centers on cellular immunotherapy, particularly CAR-T cell technology tailored for HIV-1 and solid tumors. 💉 His key interest lies in genetic engineering of T cells to enhance therapeutic performance while minimizing toxicity. He has pioneered techniques such as the hypoxia-inducible CAR-T (HiCAR) system and PD-L1 chimeric costimulatory receptors, designed to address safety challenges in treating solid malignancies. 🧠 His research also extends to multifunctional CAR-T designs with dual antiviral and antitumor capabilities, applied in phase I clinical studies. Dr. Liao is passionate about immune microenvironment modulation, tumor-selective antigen targeting, and developing biomarker-based predictive tools for personalized therapy outcomes. 🧬 His projects integrate synthetic biology, translational immunology, and clinical oncology, making his research deeply impactful for both infectious diseases and cancer immunotherapy. His vision is to bring precision immune-engineering tools from bench to bedside. 🧑‍🔬🦠

🏆 Awards

🔹 Best Researcher Award Nomination (2025) – Selected for publication in Biomedicines (2025) for innovative CAR-T therapy targeting AXL in solid tumors.
🔹 National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) – Youth Science Fund Grant (¥300,000, 2025–2027).
🔹 National Key R&D Program Grants – Totaling ¥1,125,000 as PI or task leader across two major national projects in HIV and stem cell therapy (2022–2027).
🔹 Corresponding or co-first author in top-tier journals including Cell Discovery, Journal of Advanced Research, and Biomarker Research.
🔹 Invited to multiple academic symposia and recognized for contributions to translational immunotherapy and cellular engineering.
These accolades reflect his innovative thinking, scientific rigor, and clinical impact. 🥇📚 His work continues to be spotlighted across China’s biomedical innovation ecosystem.

📚 Top Noted Publications

Dr. Liao has authored/co-authored several impactful publications. Highlights:

1. Novel mRNA-Engineered Fully Human CAR-T Cells Targeting AXL in Solid Tumors

Journal: Biomedicines
Year: 2025
Cited by: 4
Summary:

  • Introduces an mRNA-engineered CAR-T cell targeting AXL, a receptor overexpressed in many solid tumors.

  • Uses a fully human scFv to reduce immunogenicity.

  • Demonstrates promising anti-tumor effects in preclinical solid tumor models, with transient CAR expression for improved safety.

2. Safe CAR-T: Shedding Light on CAR-Related T-cell Malignancies

Journal: EMBO Molecular Medicine
Year: 2025
Cited by: 7
Summary:

  • Addresses rare but serious cases of CAR-T-cell derived T-cell malignancies.

  • Explores the integration of CAR constructs into oncogenes as a potential risk.

  • Discusses safer vector systems and genomic insertion site monitoring.

3. Efficacy and Safety of M10 CAR-T Cells in HIV-1-Infected Patients

Journal: Cell Discovery
Year: 2024
Cited by: 18
Summary:

  • Describes M10 CAR-T cells engineered to target HIV-1-infected cells.

  • First-in-human data showed viral suppression and CD4+ T-cell recovery.

  • Provides early evidence for CAR-T application in chronic viral infections.

4. Biomarkers for Predicting CAR-T Efficacy and Detection Methods

Journal: iLABMED
Year: 2024
Cited by: 6
Summary:

  • Reviews current predictive biomarkers (e.g., tumor burden, cytokine profiles, T-cell exhaustion markers).

  • Discusses liquid biopsy, single-cell RNA-seq, and digital PCR as detection methods.

  • Emphasizes personalized CAR-T strategies using biomarker profiling.

5. Mouse Model for Evaluating CAR-T On-Target Toxicity

Journal: Journal of Advanced Research
Year: 2023
Cited by: 11
Summary:

  • Presents a novel humanized mouse model to assess on-target/off-tumor toxicity of CAR-T cells.

  • Demonstrates the importance of tissue-specific antigen expression in predicting adverse effects.

  • Tool for preclinical safety validation.

6. Hypoxia-Inducible CAR-T Cells (HiTA System)

Journal: Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer
Year: 2021
Cited by: 24
Summary:

  • Introduces a hypoxia-inducible switch to activate CAR-T cells only in low oxygen environments typical of solid tumors.

  • Reduces systemic toxicity while maintaining anti-tumor efficacy.

  • Demonstrates improved safety in vivo with retained tumor-killing activity.

7. PD-L1 Chimeric Receptor Improves Efficacy in Solid Tumors

Journal: Biomarker Research
Year: 2020
Cited by: 27
Summary:

  • Describes a chimeric receptor targeting PD-L1, converting immunosuppressive signals into activating signals.

  • Enhances CAR-T function in immunosuppressive microenvironments.

  • Synergistic potential with checkpoint inhibitors.

8. HiCAR for Selective Tumor Killing

Journal: Biomarker Research
Year: 2020
Cited by: 21
Summary:

  • Describes HiCAR, a system integrating tumor-specific antigens and environmental cues for precise activation.

  • Uses dual-input logic for increased specificity and reduced toxicity.

  • Aimed at improving solid tumor selectivity of CAR-T therapies.

Conclusion 

Dr. Qibin Liao is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His work on CAR-T innovations for both cancer and HIV is pioneering, impactful, and clinically relevant. The blend of scientific innovation, clinical translation, and strong funding/publication record positions him among the top emerging researchers in biomedical science in China.

Nafiseh Esmaeil | Immunology | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nafiseh Esmaeil | Immunology | Women Researcher Award 

Associate Professor, at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

📌 Dr. Nafiseh Esmaeil is an esteemed Iranian immunologist specializing in clinical immunology and immunotherapy. She is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, where she conducts pioneering research on immune cell therapy, gene therapy, and CAR-NK therapy. With a strong academic background, she has contributed significantly to the field through her research, publications, and mentorship. Dr. Esmaeil is actively involved in various national and international immunology societies and serves as a reviewer for multiple high-impact journals. Her dedication to immunopharmacology and immune cell products has earned her recognition as an honored researcher.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

Dr. Nafiseh Esmaeil has pursued a rigorous academic journey in medical sciences. She completed her High School Diploma at Hashtom Shahrivar High School in Isfahan in 1991. She earned her B.Sc. in Laboratory Sciences from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 1998. She further specialized in Clinical Immunology, obtaining an M.Sc. from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 2002. Her passion for immunology led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Immunology at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, which she completed in 2014. Her academic achievements have laid a strong foundation for her contributions to immunotherapy and immunopharmacology.

Experience 💼

Dr. Esmaeil has an extensive teaching and research career in medical immunology. From 2010 to 2014, she served as a lecturer in practical immunology at the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery and the Faculty of Medical School at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. In 2014, she was appointed Assistant Professor of Medical Immunology and, in 2019, was promoted to Associate Professor. Her work involves teaching, research, and supervision of postgraduate students. She is also a member of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Iran and the National Immunology Society, contributing actively to the scientific community through her expertise.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Esmaeil’s research interests lie at the intersection of immunotherapy and immunopharmacology. She focuses on immune cell therapy, gene therapy, NK therapy, and CAR-NK therapy, which have groundbreaking applications in treating various immune-related diseases and cancers. Her work also delves into immune cell products, including extracellular vesicles, aiming to enhance targeted therapies. Her research contributes to developing innovative treatments that improve patient outcomes in immunological and oncological disorders.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Esmaeil has received several prestigious awards for her academic excellence and research contributions. In December 2012, she was honored as an outstanding Ph.D. student at Shahid Motahari Festival, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The same year, she was recognized as an honored Ph.D. student researcher in the Medical School of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. These accolades highlight her commitment to advancing immunology and her dedication to scientific discovery.

Top Noted Publications 📚

Dr. Esmaeil has an impressive portfolio of scientific publications in high-impact journals. Her research has significantly contributed to the field of immunology, earning her an H-index of 19. Some of her notable publications include:

  • Different Behavior of NK Cells Isolated from Healthy Women and Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion (RSA) after Treatment with Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells (hAECs) – Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 2025. [Accepted]
  • Liposomal AZD5363 Displays Antiproliferation Activities and Induces Apoptosis on Y79 Retinoblastoma Cancer Cells – South Asian Journal of Cancer, 2024.
  • Evaluation of the Natural Killer Cell Subsets and Their Relationship with Serum Interferon Gamma and Vitamin D Levels in Women with Stages III and IV Endometriosis: A Case-Control Study – International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine, 2024.
  • Strong Capacity of Differentiated PD‑L CAR‑Modified UCB‑CD34+ Cells and PD‑L1 CAR‑Modified UCB‑CD34+‑Derived NK Cells in Killing Target Cells and Restoration of the Anti‑Tumor Function of PD‑1‑High Exhausted T Cells – Stem Cell Research and Therapy, 2024.
  • More Balance Toward Activating Receptors and Cytotoxic Activity of NK Cells Ex Vivo Differentiated from Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived CD34+ Stem Cells in Comparison with Peripheral Blood NK Cells – Heliyon, 2024.
  • Decrease of Tregs Cells and Increase of Exhausted Treg Cells as the Predictors of COVID-19 Severity – Journal of Clinical Virology Plus, 2024.
  • Investigating the Effect of Fusobacterium nucleatum on the Aggressive Behavior of Cancer‑Associated Fibroblasts in Colorectal Cancer – Discover Oncology, 2024.
  • Pathway-Based Mendelian Randomization for Pre-Infection IL-6 Levels Highlights Its Role in Coronavirus Disease – Genes, 2024.
  • Harnessing IL-10 Induced Anti-Inflammatory Response in Maturing Macrophages in Presence of Electrospun Dexamethasone-Loaded PLLA Scaffold – Journal of Biomedicine and Material Research, 2024.
  • A 2-Week Combined High-Intensity Interval Training Regulates Inflammatory Status in Young Females with Obesity – Sport and Science, 2023.

Conclusion

Dr. Nafiseh Esmaeil is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award, given her strong publication record, contributions to immunology, academic achievements, and research impact. To further solidify her application, she could expand her international research collaborations, highlight funding successes, and emphasize her role in mentoring female scientists.

MYTHILEESWARI LAKSHMIKANTHAN | immunology | Women Researcher Award

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Mrs. MYTHILEESWARI LAKSHMIKANTHAN | immunology | Women Researcher Award 

Research scholar, University of Madras, India.

Mrs. Mythileeswari Lakshmikanthan is a dedicated Doctoral Research Scholar at the Department of Biotechnology, University of Madras, Chennai. With an in-depth focus on bioactive compounds from plants and marine algae, she specializes in nanotechnology, microbiology, and cancer biology. Her passion for collaboration across scientific disciplines drives her to explore innovative research avenues.

Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

ORCiD

Education

Mrs. Mythileeswari’s academic journey is anchored at the University of Madras, where she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biotechnology (2023). She holds an M.Phil. in Botany (2008), an M.Sc. in Botany (2007), a B.Ed. in Biological Science (2004), and a B.Sc. in Botany (2003). Her educational foundation reflects a solid and continuous engagement with botanical sciences and biotechnology.

Experience

Over her academic career, Mrs. Mythileeswari has developed expertise in the isolation and purification of bioactive compounds from plant sources and marine algae. She is proficient in a range of techniques such as chromatographic methods, bioassays, microbial culture optimization, and cancer cell line techniques for in vitro and in vivo studies. Her research experience is complemented by her technical proficiencies in tools like GraphPad Prism and Image J.

Research Interests

Her research revolves around bioactive compounds from plants and marine algae, with a particular focus on nanotechnology applications in microbiology and cancer biology. Her work spans the isolation, purification, and characterization of these compounds, aiming to explore their potential in both medicinal and industrial applications.

Awards

Mrs. Mythileeswari has not listed specific awards, but her cumulative impact factor of 29.3 and her contributions to scientific journals demonstrate her academic influence. Her research citations (60), h-index (3), and i10-index (3) reflect recognition in the scientific community.

Publications

Mrs. Mythileeswari has contributed significantly to academic literature, with publications focusing on cancer biology, bioactive compounds, and nanotechnology. Below are some of her key publications:

  1. Sakthivel Muthu, Mythileeswari Lakshmikanthan, et al. (2024). “Encapsulation of Phloroglucinol from Rosenvingea intricata Macroalgae with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles against A549 Lung Cancer Cells” Pharmaceutics 16(10), 1300. Link (I.F: 4.9).
    • Cited by: None yet.
  2. Mythileeswari Lakshmikanthan et al. (2024). “A Comprehensive Review on Anthocyanin-rich Foods: Insights into Extraction, Medicinal Potential, and Sustainable Applications.” Journal of Agriculture and Food Research 17, 101245. Link (I.F: 4.8).
    • Cited by: None yet.
  3. Sakthivel Muthu, Mythileeswari Lakshmikanthan et al. (2024). “Extraction, Purification, and Investigation of the Antibacterial Potential of Lysozyme Isolated from Calotropis procera.” European Food Research and Technology 250, 1401-1416. Link (I.F: 3.0).
    • Cited by: None yet.
  4. Sakthivel Muthu, Mythileeswari Lakshmikanthan et al. (2019). “A Rapid Synthesis and Antibacterial Property of Selenium Nanoparticles Using Egg White Lysozyme as a Stabilizing Agent.” SN Applied Sciences. Link (I.F: 2.8).
    • Cited by: None yet.
  5. Sakthivel Muthu, Mythileeswari Lakshmikanthan et al. (2017). “Antibacterial Cysteine Protease from Cissus quadrangularis L.” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 103, 878-888. Link (I.F: 7.7).
    • Cited by: None yet.
  6. Sakthivel Muthu, Mythileeswari Lakshmikanthan et al. (2017). “Antibacterial Serine Protease from Wrightia tinctoria: Purification and Characterization.” Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 112, 161-172. Link (I.F: 6.1).
    • Cited by: None yet.

Conclusion

Mrs. Mythileeswari Lakshmikanthan presents a strong case for consideration for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her research in bioactive compounds, nanotechnology, and cancer biology addresses key areas of global importance. Her scientific contributions through publications, coupled with her expertise in advanced laboratory techniques, showcase her potential as a leader in biotechnology research. However, enhancing her leadership profile, securing more citations, and obtaining significant research grants would further solidify her candidacy for this prestigious award.