Yingjie Nie | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yingjie Nie | Immunology | Best Researcher Award 

professor, at HK UNIVERSITY SHENZHEN HOSPITAL, China.

Dr. Yingjie Nie is a distinguished immunologist based at HK University Shenzhen Hospital 🏥. With a Postdoctoral specialization in tumor immunology and a PhD in autoimmune diseases, she is passionately devoted to advancing human health through immunotherapy. Her pioneering work bridges tumor immunotherapy and psychological health, offering innovative solutions for patients facing autoimmune disorders and cancer. As a mentor, Dr. Nie supervises postdoctoral, PhD, and MPhil students 👩‍🔬. Her impactful research is featured in leading scientific journals, earning her over 300 citations 📚. With collaborations across institutions like NIH and MACAU University, she exemplifies interdisciplinary innovation. Her book, Invisible Enemies: Leading You to Know about the Novel Coronavirus, reflects her public health engagement. A member of AIA, Dr. Nie’s dedication is transforming how we understand and treat immune-based diseases.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

🎓 Education 

Dr. Yingjie Nie’s educational foundation lies at the intersection of immunology and medical innovation 🧠. She earned her PhD focusing on autoimmune diseases, exploring their root mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Following her doctorate, she undertook a Postdoctoral Fellowship in tumor immunology, specializing in dendritic cell modulation and immunopsychology 🧬. Her educational trajectory has provided the bedrock for a research career that addresses complex interactions between immunity and mental health. She is now actively involved in mentoring MPhil, PhD, and postdoctoral candidates, guiding the next generation of medical scientists. Her dual expertise enables her to cross traditional disciplinary lines and spearhead unique approaches to disease treatment, from molecular immunology to clinical applications.

💼 Experience 

Currently positioned at HK University Shenzhen Hospital, Dr. Yingjie Nie brings extensive experience in clinical immunology and academic leadership 🏫. She has established herself as an expert in tumor immunotherapy and autoimmune pathology. In addition to her robust research background, Dr. Nie plays a vital academic role by supervising graduate and postdoctoral researchers. Over the years, she has cultivated collaborations with prestigious institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), HK University, and MACAU University 🌍. Her professional journey is underscored by her ability to integrate laboratory research with patient-centered therapeutic applications. Dr. Nie’s reputation in scientific and clinical communities stems from her comprehensive understanding of immune regulation, mental health integration, and translational research in disease control.

🔬 Research Interest 

Dr. Yingjie Nie’s research is centered on the convergence of tumor immunotherapy, autoimmune diseases, and immunopsychology 🔬🧠. She investigates how dendritic cells can be manipulated to enhance immune response in both cancer and chronic immune dysfunctions. A key theme in her work is the psychological dimension of immunotherapy—exploring how psychological therapies can support immunological outcomes, especially in patients with tumors or autoimmune conditions 💡. Her current project, “Immunotherapy Combined with Psychological Therapy,” aims to bring a more holistic treatment framework to immunocompromised individuals. Additionally, she examines autophagy’s role in the tumor microenvironment and the regulatory influence of HMGN proteins. Through molecular and translational approaches, Dr. Nie seeks to unlock new therapeutic paradigms and deepen our understanding of immune-behavior connections.

🏆 Awards 

Dr. Yingjie Nie’s contributions to biomedical science have positioned her as a rising leader in tumor immunotherapy and autoimmune disease research 🏆. She is now nominated for the International Top Pharmaceutical Award, honoring her pioneering work in integrating psychological health with immunotherapy. Her influence spans both academic and public domains, exemplified by her authorship of the book Invisible Enemies, an accessible guide to the novel coronavirus (ISBN: pending). With over 300 citations and numerous publications in high-impact journals, Dr. Nie’s scientific output is recognized by global research communities 🌟. Though still early in her accolades journey, her collaborations with institutions such as NIH and HK University, as well as her mentorship of young researchers, reflect her role as a transformative figure in healthcare innovation.

📚Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Yingjie Nie’s scholarly work has appeared in prominent journals indexed by SCI and Scopus 🌐. Selected publications include:

1. Nanocarrier-mediated targeting of immune pathways for cancer therapy

Journal: International Journal of Nanomedicine (2022)
Citations: 45
Link: (Read here)

Summary:
This paper reviews and presents advances in nanocarrier-based systems for selectively targeting immune cells and modulating immune pathways to enhance cancer immunotherapy. It emphasizes nanoparticle engineering for delivering antigens, adjuvants, and immune checkpoint inhibitors with improved specificity, reduced toxicity, and enhanced tumor microenvironment penetration. Special focus is given to liposomes, polymeric micelles, and dendrimers.

Key Points:

  • Nanocarriers can improve bioavailability and stability of immunotherapeutics.

  • Facilitates co-delivery of multiple agents for synergistic effects.

  • Clinical translation challenges include scalability and immunogenicity.

2. Autophagy regulation in dendritic cells and its role in tumor immunity

Journal: Cell Communication and Signaling (2021)
Citations: 38
Link: (Read here)

Summary:
This paper explores how autophagy mechanisms in dendritic cells (DCs) influence antigen presentation and immune activation against tumors. It demonstrates that autophagy enhances cross-presentation of tumor antigens and affects T-cell priming. Disruptions in autophagy pathways can compromise DC function and immune surveillance in cancer.

Key Points:

  • Autophagy is essential for MHC class I antigen presentation in DCs.

  • Tumor-induced autophagy inhibition weakens anti-tumor T-cell responses.

  • Therapeutic modulation of autophagy could restore immune competence.

3. Psychoneuroimmunology and combined immunotherapy approaches

Journal: EMBO Molecular Medicine (2020)
Citations: 61
Link: (Read here)

Summary:
This interdisciplinary study integrates psychoneuroimmunology with oncology, proposing that psychological stress and neuroendocrine signaling affect immune response efficacy. It reviews how the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system modulate immune checkpoints, offering rationale for combining stress-modulation strategies (e.g., beta-blockers, cognitive therapy) with immunotherapy.

Key Points:

  • Stress hormones like cortisol suppress T-cell activity.

  • Sympathetic signaling can impair antigen-presenting cell function.

  • Integrative therapies may enhance immunotherapy outcomes.

4. HMGN proteins in tumor immunosuppression

Journal: Science Signaling (2019)
Citations: 78
Link: (Read here)

Summary:
This research uncovers a novel immunosuppressive role of HMGN (High Mobility Group Nucleosome-binding) proteins in the tumor microenvironment. HMGN1 and HMGN2 are shown to influence gene expression in immune cells, particularly suppressing pro-inflammatory responses and dendritic cell maturation.

Key Points:

  • HMGN overexpression correlates with T-cell exhaustion.

  • Targeting HMGN proteins may reinvigorate immune responses.

  • Suggests biomarker potential of HMGN in cancer prognosis.

5. Dendritic cells and autoimmune triggers in systemic lupus

Journal: International Journal of Biological Sciences (2018)
Citations: 83
Link: (Read here)

Summary:
This foundational paper examines the role of dendritic cells in initiating and perpetuating autoimmune responses in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It details how dysregulated DC subsets lead to improper antigen presentation, loss of self-tolerance, and B-cell hyperactivation.

Key Points:

  • Plasmacytoid DCs in lupus produce excessive type I interferons.

  • Deficient negative feedback in myeloid DCs leads to chronic inflammation.

  • Targeted DC modulation is a promising therapeutic avenue in SLE.

Conclusion

Dr. Yingjie Nie demonstrates strong potential and suitability for the Best Researcher Award. Her interdisciplinary focus, notable publications, academic mentorship, and innovative exploration of combining immunotherapy with psychological care mark her as a valuable contributor to pharmaceutical and medical sciences.

Isha Pahuja | T cell biology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs . Isha Pahuja | T cell biology | Best Researcher Award 

Senior Research Fellow , International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , India

Isha Pahuja is a dedicated Senior Research Fellow in the Immunobiology Group at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi. With a solid foundation in life sciences and medical biotechnology, her research primarily focuses on immunological responses against tuberculosis. Isha has contributed significantly to the understanding of host-pathogen interactions, particularly in tuberculosis, with her work published in several high-impact journals.

Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Research Experience:
    • Isha Pahuja has substantial research experience across multiple renowned institutions, particularly in immunology and tuberculosis research. Her progression from a Junior Research Fellow to a Senior Research Fellow at ICGEB, New Delhi, highlights her dedication and the trust placed in her abilities by her supervisors.
  2. Notable Publications:
    • Isha has co-authored 16 peer-reviewed publications, many of which are in high-impact journals like Communications Biology, Journal of Infectious Diseases, and Microbiology Spectrum. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding tuberculosis (TB) immunology, and she has collaborated with multiple researchers on important projects.
  3. Awards and Recognitions:
    • Isha has received multiple awards, such as the Global Health Travel Award and the Best Poster Award at the BIOSPARKS 2024. These accolades recognize her research’s quality and impact within the scientific community.
  4. Involvement in High-Profile Projects:
    • She has undertaken several critical projects focused on tuberculosis, epigenetic regulation of T cell responses, and molecular biology, which underline her expertise in immunology.
  5. Technical Proficiency:
    • Isha is well-trained in advanced laboratory techniques relevant to her field, including BSL-3 level work, flow cytometry, proteomics data analysis, and bioinformatics tools. This technical skill set is essential for cutting-edge research in immunology.
  6. Professional Memberships:
    • Her membership in the British Infection Association and participation in various international symposiums indicate her active engagement with the global research community.

Areas of Improvement

  1. Independent Research Leadership:
    • While Isha has an impressive record of collaborative research, she might benefit from leading more independent research projects. Developing a distinct research niche could further establish her as a leader in her field.
  2. Grant Acquisition:
    • Securing independent research grants would demonstrate her ability to not only contribute to but also independently fund and manage research initiatives, a critical component of long-term academic and research success.
  3. Diverse Research Collaborations:
    • Expanding her collaborations beyond tuberculosis research to other areas of immunology or even interdisciplinary fields could enhance her research portfolio and widen her impact.
  4. Mentorship and Teaching:
    • Engaging in mentorship roles or teaching responsibilities could bolster her profile, as guiding upcoming researchers is a valuable trait for award consideration.

      Education

      Isha holds a B.Sc. in Life Sciences from the University of Delhi (2014) and an M.Sc. in Medical Biotechnology from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak (2016). Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in Immunology at Jamia Hamdard University, where her research delves into the complexities of immunological responses in tuberculosis.

      Experience

      Isha’s career in research began as a Project Trainee at Biotech Consortium India Limited in 2016. She has since held multiple positions at ICGEB, New Delhi, including Junior Research Fellow and now, Senior Research Fellow. Her experience also includes a tenure at the Central University of Rajasthan, further enriching her expertise in immunobiology and infectious diseases.

      Research Interests

      Isha’s research interests are centered around immunology, with a focus on understanding host immune responses to tuberculosis. She is particularly interested in the role of immune modulation in disease recurrence and the potential for therapeutic interventions that target these pathways.

      Awards and Honors

      Isha has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Global Health Travel Award to attend the Keystone Symposium on Tuberculosis in 2024 and the Best Poster Award at the 18th Annual Science Fest BIOSPARKS. Her contributions have also been recognized with travel grants and participation in international conferences, underscoring her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in her field.

      Publications

      Isha has authored several influential papers in peer-reviewed journals. Below are some of her key publications:

      1. Depletion of essential mycobacterial gene glmM reduces pathogen survival and induces host-protective immune responses against tuberculosis
        • Journal: Communications Biology
        • Published: Aug 6, 2024
        • Cited by: Articles exploring pathogen survival mechanisms Read More
      2. Immunoinhibitory effects of anti-tuberculosis therapy induce the host vulnerability to tuberculosis recurrence
        • Journal: Microbiology Spectrum
        • Published: May 2024
        • Cited by: Research on immune response modulation during tuberculosis therapy Read More
      3. Bergenin potentiates BCG efficacy by enriching mycobacteria-specific adaptive memory responses via the Akt-Foxo-Stat4 axis
        • Journal: Tuberculosis (Edinburgh)
        • Published: Jul 2024
        • Cited by: Studies on vaccine efficacy enhancement Read More
      4. Unravelling the potential of Triflusal as an anti-TB repurposed drug by targeting replication protein DciA
        • Journal: Microbes and Infection
        • Published: Dec 2023
        • Cited by: Work on drug repurposing strategies Read More
      5. Adjunct Therapy With All-trans-Retinoic Acid Improves Therapeutic Efficacy Through Immunomodulation While Treating Tuberculosis With Antibiotics in Mice
        • Journal: The Journal of Infectious Diseases
        • Published: May 15, 2024
        • Cited by: Immunomodulatory therapies for infectious diseases Read More

          Conclusion

          Isha Pahuja is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her extensive experience, notable publications, and recognition within the scientific community. Her work has made significant contributions to the understanding of tuberculosis immunology, and she has demonstrated technical expertise and dedication to her research. To further strengthen her candidacy, Isha could focus on leading independent research projects, securing grants, and expanding her research scope. Overall, her current achievements make her a deserving nominee for the award.