Manuela Cappelletti | Immunology | Industry Impact Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Mrs. Manuela Cappelletti | Immunology | Industry Impact Award 

Senior lab biologist | TAKIS srl | Italy

Mrs. Manuela Cappelletti is an accomplished Italian Senior Laboratory Biologist with extensive experience in molecular biology, immunology, and preclinical biotechnology. She has played a key role at Takis Srl in Rome, contributing to research in monoclonal antibody generation and vaccine development. Previously, she held senior research positions at IRBM Merck Research Laboratories and RTC Research Toxicology Center, where she developed expertise in molecular cloning, cell biology, and animal experimentation. At Takis, she oversees hybridoma generation, antibody subcloning, and large-scale antibody production, ensuring high standards of biosafety and reproducibility. Her work has advanced innovative immunotherapy and vaccine platforms, including contributions to DNA-based vaccine research. With 23 scientific publications, 1,724 citations by 1,545 documents, and an h-index of 18, her research has significantly impacted the fields of antibody science and translational immunology. Renowned for her precision and leadership in laboratory innovation, Manuela continues to bridge fundamental science with applied biomedical research, fostering progress in immunotherapy and infectious disease solutions.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Cappelletti, M., et al. (n.d.). Isolation and characterization of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Antibodies (Basel). Cited by 12.

Cappelletti, M., et al. (n.d.). COVID-eVax: An electroporated DNA vaccine candidate encoding the SARS-CoV-2 RBD. Molecular Therapy, 30(4). Cited by 58.

Cappelletti, M., et al. (n.d.). COVID-eVax DNA vaccine elicits protective immune responses in animal models. bioRxiv. Cited by 72.

Cappelletti, M., et al. (n.d.). Gene electro-transfer improves transduction by modifying the fate of intramuscular DNA. Journal of Gene Medicine, 5(3). Cited by 130.

Cappelletti, M., et al. (n.d.). C/EBP beta and acute phase gene regulation in liver cells. Cell Death and Differentiation, 3(2). Cited by 45.

 

Alessia Muzi | Immunology | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Alessia Muzi | Immunology | Women Researcher Award

Principal investigator | Takis srl | Italy

Dr. Alessia Muzi is an accomplished Italian scientist and Principal Investigator at Takis Srl, leading pioneering research in oncology, monoclonal antibody engineering, and translational biotechnology. With over 20 years of experience, she has contributed significantly to therapeutic antibody development, vaccine innovation, and cancer immunotherapy. She holds a Ph.D. in Neurosciences from the University of Sacred Heart “Agostino Gemelli” and advanced degrees in Medical Biotechnology and Regulatory Medicine from the Universities of Rome “Tor Vergata” and “Sapienza.” As Head of the Monoclonal Antibody Laboratory at Takis, Dr. Muzi oversees cutting-edge projects focused on recombinant protein design and tumor-targeting antibodies. Her research bridges molecular biology and clinical applications, aiming to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments and immunotherapies. Recipient of the FISA-2022-00899 Award for bispecific antibody development, she has co-authored 33 publications with an h-index of 20 and 1,121 citations across 1,018 documents. Dr. Muzi’s scientific leadership, regulatory expertise, and commitment to translational medicine have established her as a leading figure in Italian biomedical innovation and a driving force in advancing therapeutic strategies for oncology and infectious diseases.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Novel Humanized Anti-HER3 Antibodies: Structural Characterization and Therapeutic Activity. (2025). Antibodies. Cited by 12.

Isolation and Characterization of Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. (2024). Antibodies. Cited by 25.

A Linear DNA Vaccine Candidate Encoding SARS-CoV-2 RBD in Domestic Cats. (2023). Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev. Cited by 9.

A First-in-Human Trial of COVID-eVax DNA Vaccine. (2022). Mol Ther. Cited by 40.

Persistent B Cell Memory After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination. (2022). Cell Host Microbe. Cited by 58.

COVID-eVax: Electroporated DNA Vaccine Candidate Encoding SARS-CoV-2 RBD. (2022). Mol Ther. Cited by 65.

The Nuts and Bolts of SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD Heterologous Expression. (2021). Biomolecules. Cited by 33.

FABIANA FOSCA FERRARA | Immunology | Best Industrial Research Award

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Dr. Fabiana Fosca | Immunology | Best Industrial Research Award 

Senior Researcher | Takis srl | Italy

Dr. Fabiana Fosca Ferrara has earned distinguished recognition for her outstanding contributions to molecular biology and translational research. She was honored with the Best Ph.D. Thesis of the Year in Italy by FISV – Federazione Italiana Scienze della Vita, acknowledging her pioneering work in morphogenetic and cytological sciences. At Takis Srl, she has been an integral member of award-winning research teams advancing vaccine and antibody innovation in preclinical oncology and immunotherapy. Her FELASA European certifications and continuous professional training demonstrate her strong commitment to scientific integrity, regulatory compliance, and humane research practices. Dr. Ferrara has also played a key role in several European-funded projects and intellectual property developments that promote biomedical advancement. With 2,154 citations from 1,898 documents, 19 publications, and an h-index of 14, she exemplifies a career defined by research excellence, ethical leadership, and sustained impact in biotechnology and life sciences.

Profile: Scopus| ORCID

Featured Publications

Ferrara, F. F., et al. “Novel humanized anti-HER3 antibodies: Structural characterization and therapeutic activity.” Antibodies. – Cited by 12.

Ferrara, F. F., et al. “Isolation and characterization of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.” Antibodies. – Cited by 25.

Ferrara, F. F., et al. “COVID-eVax, an electroporated DNA vaccine candidate encoding SARS-CoV-2 RBD.” Molecular Therapy. – Cited by 180.

Ferrara, F. F., et al. “Novel benzazole derivatives endowed with potent antiheparanase activity.” Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. – Cited by 92.

Ferrara, F. F., et al. “Histone deacetylase-targeted treatment restores retinoic acid signaling in AML.” Cancer Research. – Cited by 550.

 

Moutih Rafei | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Moutih Rafei | Immunology | Best Researcher Award 

Full Professor | University of Montreal | Canada

Dr. Moutih Rafei is a Full Professor at the Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology. With extensive expertise in cellular and molecular immunology, he has significantly advanced the fields of immuno-oncology, vaccine engineering, and immune modulation. He earned his Ph.D. in Experimental Medicine from McGill University, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship in Molecular Biology at Université de Montréal, where he later established his own research laboratory. His group focuses on developing novel immune-based therapeutic strategies, several of which are progressing toward clinical application. Dr. Rafei has authored numerous high-impact publications, book chapters, and patents, contributing both to academic knowledge and industrial innovation. His leadership extends to mentoring young scientists and serving as an editor for scientific journals. His work continues to influence immunological research and therapeutic development, addressing complex diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious conditions.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Rafei completed his B.Sc. Honours in Immunology at McGill University, conducting an honours thesis on Giardia lamblia transmission-blocking DNA vaccines. He pursued his Ph.D. in Experimental Medicine at McGill University, working under the supervision of Dr. Jacques Galipeau on fusokine design as a novel therapeutic strategy for immunosuppression. Following this, he undertook a post-doctoral fellowship at Université de Montréal under Dr. Claude Perreault, where he specialized in innate and classical CD8 T-cell development and maturation. Complementing his scientific training, he also completed a Mini-Entrepreneurship Program at the HEC-Poly-UdeM Entrepreneurship Centre, gaining strategic and managerial skills applicable to biotech ventures. This combination of academic depth and entrepreneurial insight has enabled Dr. Rafei to successfully navigate the interface between fundamental research and its translation into clinical and industrial solutions, shaping his career as both an academic leader and biotech innovator.

Experience

Dr. Rafei holds extensive academic and industrial experience, combining innovative research with strategic leadership in biotechnology. As a Full Professor at Université de Montréal, he leads a dynamic research program focused on immune engineering and translational immunotherapy. His industrial roles include serving as Chief Scientific Officer at Defence Therapeutics, where he oversaw pre-clinical development of oncology and vaccine programs, and Head of Discovery at Medicenna Therapeutics, managing the IL-2 Superkine program currently in clinical trials. He is also the Founder and CEO of Axiom Services Inc., providing consulting and R&D guidance to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. His responsibilities have included directing large-scale pre-clinical studies, preparing regulatory submissions for clinical trials, and presenting research at major international conferences. Through his dual academic and industry roles, Dr. Rafei has successfully bridged fundamental science and applied product development, positioning himself as a key contributor to innovation in immuno-oncology.

Research Interest

Dr. Rafei’s research centers on developing advanced immunotherapies for severe diseases, particularly cancer. His work covers T-cell biology, fusokine engineering, and mesenchymal stromal cell-based vaccines. He has pioneered the design of engineered mesenchymal stromal cells capable of presenting antigens for cancer immunotherapy, developed non-IL1Ralpha-binding IL-2 variants for oncology, and advanced γδ T-cell-based therapeutic platforms. He also leads projects utilizing the proprietary Accum® technology to enhance the targeted delivery of antibody-drug conjugates, cancer vaccines, and infectious disease vaccines. Additionally, his group explores genetic and pharmacological strategies to convert mesenchymal stromal cells into antigen-presenting cells, expanding potential treatments for oncology, autoimmune diseases, and transplantation. Integrating molecular biology, immune engineering, and translational medicine, his research aims to transform fundamental discoveries into effective, scalable, and clinically relevant therapies that address unmet medical needs in immunology.

Awards

Dr. Rafei has received more than twenty awards and recognitions that highlight his exceptional contributions to the fields of immunology and translational medicine. These honors acknowledge his pioneering work in cytokine and fusokine engineering, vaccine development, and mesenchymal stromal cell-based immunotherapies. His ability to integrate molecular innovations into practical clinical applications has earned him recognition in both academic and industrial sectors. Awards have also acknowledged his role as a mentor, fostering the growth of emerging scientists, and his leadership in driving collaborative research across disciplines and borders. His keynote presentations at prestigious international conferences further demonstrate his influence and leadership in the scientific community. The breadth of these awards reflects his sustained commitment to excellence, innovation, and the advancement of immune-based strategies for the treatment of complex and life-threatening diseases.

Top Noted Publications

Dr. Rafei has authored over sixty high-impact peer-reviewed articles, five reviews, two book chapters, one monograph, and holds six patents. His research has been published in leading journals such as Molecular Cancer, Frontiers in Immunology, and Cancer Immunology Research. With a citation index exceeding two thousand, his work has influenced both academic research and industry practices in immuno-oncology. His publications cover diverse topics, including engineered mesenchymal stromal cells for cancer vaccination, cytokine-fusion proteins, and novel delivery systems using the Accum® technology. In addition to original research, he has contributed reviews synthesizing developments in immune-based therapies.

Title: Mesenchymal stromal cells ameliorate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by inhibiting CD4 Th17 T cells in a CC chemokine ligand 2-dependent manner – M Rafei, PM Campeau, A Aguilar-Mahecha, M Buchanan, P Williams, et al.

Journal: The Journal of Immunology

Year: 2009

Cited by 462.

Title: Mesenchymal stromal cell–derived CCL2 suppresses plasma cell immunoglobulin production via STAT3 inactivation and PAX5 induction – M Rafei, J Hsieh, S Fortier, MY Li, S Yuan, et al.

Journal: Blood

Year: 2008

Cited by 309.

Title: Cell therapy: types, regulation, and clinical benefits – AEH El-Kadiry, M Rafei, R Shammaa.

Journal: Frontiers in Medicine

Year: 2021

Cited by 238.

Title: Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis – M Rafei, E Birman, K Forner, J Galipeau.

Journal: Molecular Therapy

Year: 2009

Cited by 204.

Title: Nociceptor neurons affect cancer immunosurveillance – M Balood, M Ahmadi, T Eichwald, A Ahmadi, A Majdoubi, et al.

Journal: Nature

Year: 2022

Cited by 200.

Title: A granulocyte-macrophage colony–stimulating factor and interleukin-15 fusokine induces a regulatory B cell population with immune suppressive properties – M Rafei, J Hsieh, S Zehntner, MY Li, K Forner, et al.

Journal: Nature Medicine

Year: 2009

Cited by 170.

Title: Inflammatory monocytes promote progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and can be therapeutically targeted via CCR 2 – K Mojumdar, F Liang, C Giordano, C Lemaire, G Danialou, et al.

Journal: EMBO Molecular Medicine

Year: 2014

Cited by 155.

Title: Characterization of Gaucher disease bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells reveals an altered inflammatory secretome – PM Campeau, M Rafei, MN Boivin, Y Sun, GA Grabowski, et al.

Journal: Blood

Year: 2009

Cited by 112

Conclusion

Dr. Moutih Rafei’s exceptional contributions to immunotherapy, translational science, and biotechnology innovation position him as an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His career demonstrates a rare combination of groundbreaking scientific insight, creative problem-solving, and the capacity to turn laboratory discoveries into impactful therapies. Recognizing his achievements through this award would honor his significant contributions and encourage further advancements that have the potential to transform patient care globally.

Yingjie Nie | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

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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.

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.