Huiying Fan | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huiying Fan | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huiying Fan , College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University , China

Dr. Huiying Fan is a distinguished professor and doctoral supervisor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, specializing in veterinary virology and immunology. As a core member of the Key Laboratory for Veterinary Vaccine Development, his expertise includes creating genetically engineered vaccines for animal viruses. Dr. Fan has published over 40 research papers in leading journals, including Journal of Virology and Emerging Microbes & Infections, and holds 11 invention patents. His career has been marked by significant contributions to animal virus research and vaccine development, with extensive involvement in national research programs. He has been recognized with several provincial and ministerial-level awards and is actively involved in scientific development and industry collaboration in China.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Huiying Fan has demonstrated exceptional contributions to the field of veterinary virology and immunology, particularly in the development of vaccines for animal viruses. He is a recognized leader in the creation of genetically engineered vaccines, with over 40 SCI papers published in high-impact journals such as Journal of Virology, Emerging Microbes & Infection, and Vaccines. His involvement in groundbreaking research on the pathogenic mechanisms of viruses like avian influenza, porcine epidemic diarrhea, and African swine fever underscores his expertise. Furthermore, Dr. Fan has been granted 11 invention patents and is an influential figure in national research programs, such as the National Key Research and Development Program. His leadership as a professor and mentor, coupled with his ongoing innovations in virus detection and vaccine development, showcases his remarkable impact in the field.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Fan’s scientific research has been groundbreaking, expanding his focus on broader global collaborations could enhance the scope of his work. In particular, his work could benefit from incorporating more interdisciplinary approaches, combining cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence or big data analytics, which are becoming increasingly crucial in disease surveillance and vaccine development. Moreover, his research could further address the application of his vaccine technologies in low-resource settings, to maximize global health impact. Engaging more actively in science communication could also help translate his findings into policies or programs that benefit larger populations, both within China and internationally.

Education:

Dr. Fan completed his Ph.D. in Preventive Veterinary Medicine at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, in June 2007. During his doctoral research, he focused on the study of veterinary diseases and virus-host interactions, laying a strong foundation for his future work in vaccine development. His commitment to advancing veterinary science continued through postdoctoral training, followed by his establishment as a professor at South China Agricultural University. His education reflects his dedication to merging academic research with practical applications for the improvement of animal health and disease prevention.

Experience:

Dr. Fan’s career began in 2007 as a professor at South China Agricultural University, where he became a leading figure in veterinary medicine. He has also contributed significantly to international research, evidenced by his six-month research visit to City University of Hong Kong in 2016. As a core member of several high-impact research initiatives, including the National Key Research and Development Program, he has played a vital role in advancing veterinary virology and vaccine development. Dr. Fan’s extensive expertise has led to collaborations across national projects and scientific endeavors, particularly in the realm of infectious diseases and immune responses in animals.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Fan has received multiple prestigious awards throughout his career, including 8 provincial and ministerial-level honors. Notably, he was named a “Pearl River Science and Technology Star” in Guangzhou and recognized as a “Science and Technology Commissioner” by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province. His contributions to veterinary science have garnered recognition both within China and internationally, highlighting his commitment to scientific excellence and industry collaboration. These accolades underscore his leadership in veterinary vaccine research and his influence on public health initiatives concerning animal diseases.

Research Focus:

Dr. Fan’s primary research interests lie in the molecular design of genetically engineered vaccines for animal viruses, including those affecting poultry and swine. His studies explore the immune mechanisms and pathogenesis of viruses such as avian influenza and porcine viral diarrhea. In addition to his work on vaccine development, he investigates the use of innovative techniques, including CRISPR/Cas12a and proteomics, to better understand virus-host interactions and to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for animal diseases. His focus on veterinary virology aims to enhance both animal and public health outcomes.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. “A single immunization with H5N1 virus-like particle vaccine protects chickens against divergent H5N1 influenza viruses” 🐔🦠
  2. “Influenza H7N9 Virus Hemagglutinin with T169A Mutation Possesses Enhanced Thermostability” 🦠❄️
  3. “Immune Escape Mechanism and Vaccine Research Progress of African Swine Fever Virus” 🐖🦠
  4. “Supplementation of H7N9 Virus-Like Particle Vaccine With Recombinant Epitope Antigen Confers Full Protection” 🦠💉
  5. “PEDV infection affects the expression of polyamine-related genes inhibiting viral proliferation” 🐖🧬
  6. “Proteome Analysis in PAM Cells Reveals That African Swine Fever Virus Can Regulate Intracellular Polyamines” 🧬🔬
  7. “CRISPR/Cas12a Technology Combined with Immunochromatographic Strips for Portable Detection of ASF Virus” 🧬🦠
  8. “Quantitative Proteomics Reveals Changes in Vero Cells in Response to Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus” 🐖🔬
  9. “Coimmunization with recombinant epitope-expressing baculovirus enhances protective effects of H5N1 vaccine” 💉🦠
  10. “Either fadD1 or fadD2, Which Encode acyl-CoA Synthetase, Is Essential for the Survival of Haemophilus parasuis SC096” 🦠🔬
  11. “Two Glycosyltransferase Genes of Haemophilus parasuis SC096 Implicated in Lipooligosaccharide Biosynthesis” 🧬🦠
  12. “Recombinant baculovirus vaccine containing multiple M2e and adjuvant LT induces T cell-dependent protection against H5N1” 💉🦠
  13. “BacMam virus-based surface display of IBV S1 glycoprotein confers strong protection against virulent IBV challenge” 🐔🦠
  14. “Quantitative Proteomics by Amino Acid Labeling in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus-Infected Cells” 🐄🧬
  15. “Quantitative proteomics using SILAC reveals protein and pathway regulation in porcine circovirus type 2 infected PK-15 cells” 🐖🧬

Conclusion:

Dr. Huiying Fan is undoubtedly a strong contender for the Research for Best Researcher Award, given his outstanding contributions to animal virus research, innovative vaccine design, and leadership in national research initiatives. His extensive publication record, patent portfolio, and recognition through prestigious awards highlight his scientific excellence. Although expanding his collaborative network and exploring interdisciplinary methodologies could elevate his impact further, Dr. Fan’s work has already had a profound effect on veterinary medicine and public health, making him a well-deserved nominee for this award.

 

 

Wei Mu | Immunotherapy and Molecular Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wei Mu | Immunotherapy and Molecular Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wei Mu , Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , China

Mu Wei, born in October 1989, is an Assistant Researcher in the Department of Hematology at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. With a solid foundation in biotechnology and regenerative medicine, Mu Wei has consistently contributed to the advancement of CAR-T cell therapy, particularly in the context of hematological diseases. His research blends molecular biology with cutting-edge therapeutic techniques to tackle complex issues like T-cell exhaustion and immunotherapy resistance. With multiple principal investigator roles and ongoing projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, his expertise is shaping the future of cancer immunotherapy. Mu Wei is also an active author with publications in top-tier scientific journals, contributing valuable insights into CAR-T cell dynamics and the molecular mechanisms underlying immune responses in hematological malignancies.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Research Focus: Mu Wei’s research on CAR-T cell therapy demonstrates significant potential to enhance cancer immunotherapy. His work on precise molecular regulation of IL2Rβ/IL2Rγ signaling and T-cell exhaustion mechanisms in CAR-T therapies is cutting-edge and addresses key challenges in the field of hematological malignancies.
  2. Leadership and Impact: As the principal investigator for several National Natural Science Foundation projects, Mu Wei has shown leadership in guiding important research initiatives aimed at improving CAR-T cell therapies. His work is already showing potential to directly influence clinical outcomes in blood cancers.
  3. Publication Record: His consistent publication in high-impact journals (e.g., Blood Cancer Journal, Cell Reports) and contributions to collaborative studies further solidify his recognition as a leader in his research area.
  4. Ongoing Funding and Collaboration: The fact that Mu Wei is a key participant in ongoing large-scale national research projects demonstrates his ability to collaborate and contribute to high-impact, multi-year scientific endeavors. These projects reflect both the trust placed in him by funding bodies and the relevance of his expertise.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader International Exposure: While Mu Wei has made impressive strides in national research, expanding his collaborations and visibility in international scientific communities could further boost the global impact of his research.
  2. Broader Public Engagement: As his research has direct implications for patient care, more efforts in translating his work into publicly accessible formats—such as public outreach, media engagement, or policy advisory—could amplify the societal impact of his discoveries.
  3. Expansion into Related Fields: His focus is currently tightly centered on CAR-T therapy in hematology. Branching into additional related areas, such as solid tumor immunotherapy or alternative immunotherapy strategies, could diversify his research portfolio and increase its relevance to a broader range of cancers.

 

Education:

Mu Wei completed his B.S. in Biotechnology at Anhui Medical University in 2011, followed by a Ph.D. in Regenerative Medicine from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2018. His doctoral research focused on the molecular biology of regenerative therapies, laying the foundation for his current expertise in hematology and immunology. During his Ph.D., Mu Wei developed a strong interest in immunotherapy, particularly in how cell therapies like CAR-T could be used to treat cancer and other blood disorders. Building on his academic achievements, he continued his training as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Tongji Hospital, where he expanded his research to explore the genetic and immune mechanisms involved in T-cell therapies. His robust educational background is complemented by his continuous pursuit of knowledge in cutting-edge immunotherapy technologies and regenerative medicine.

Experience: 

Mu Wei has extensive experience in hematology and cellular therapy, with a career spanning over a decade. Since December 2021, he has served as an Assistant Researcher in the Department of Hematology at Tongji Hospital, where he leads innovative research projects on CAR-T cell therapy and immunotherapy. Prior to this, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the same institution from October 2018 to October 2021, focusing on T-cell engineering and cell exhaustion mechanisms in cancer therapies. His academic and professional journey began at Anhui Medical University, where he earned his B.S. in Biotechnology, followed by a Ph.D. in Regenerative Medicine from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Mu Wei’s work integrates laboratory research with clinical applications, aiming to improve the safety and efficacy of cellular therapies in treating hematological malignancies. He is also actively involved in national-level research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Research Focus:

Mu Wei’s research focuses on advancing CAR-T cell therapy for the treatment of hematological cancers, with a particular emphasis on improving the precision and efficacy of these therapies. His work explores several critical areas: the molecular regulation of IL2Rβ/IL2Rγ signaling in CAR-T cells, the role of T-cell exhaustion in immunotherapy, and novel strategies to overcome resistance in lymphoma CAR-T cell therapies. By investigating the extracellular vesicle-based regulation of CAR-T cells, Mu Wei aims to develop more effective, targeted immunotherapies with fewer side effects. His current projects also delve into the molecular mechanisms of immune cell exhaustion, which can limit the effectiveness of CAR-T cells in certain patients. Mu Wei is passionate about translating his laboratory findings into clinical applications, improving the outcomes of patients with blood cancers through enhanced CAR-T cell designs and immunotherapeutic approaches. His research promises to contribute to the next generation of cancer immunotherapies.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Correction to: Anti-CD5 CAR-T cells with a tEGFR safety switch exhibit potent toxicity control 🧬🛡️ Blood Cancer Journal (2024)
  2. Anti-CD5 CAR-T cells with a tEGFR safety switch exhibit potent toxicity control 🧬🛡️ Blood Cancer Journal (2024)
  3. Antigen escape in CAR-T cell therapy: Mechanisms and overcoming strategies 🚫🧬 Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy (2024)
  4. Correlation analysis of polyclonal plasma cell proportion in the bone marrow with clinical characteristics of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma 🩸📊 Chinese Journal of Hematology (2024)
  5. Novel heterozygous mutations of TNFRSF13B in EBV-associated T/NK lymphoproliferative diseases 🧬💉 Blood Science (2024)
  6. Functional diversification and dynamics of CAR-T cells in patients with B-ALL 🔬🧑‍🔬 Cell Reports (2023)
  7. Preclinical development and evaluation of nanobody-based CD70-specific CAR T cells for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia ⚕️💡 Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy (2023)
  8. Case report: Differential diagnosis of highly amplified anti-CD5 CAR T cells and relapsed lymphoma cells in a patient with refractory ALK positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma 📑🩸 Frontiers in Immunology (2023)
  9. CD137 deficiency because of two novel biallelic TNFRSF9 mutations in a patient presenting with severe EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disease 🧬💉 Clinical and Translational Immunology (2023)
  10. Genetic lesions and targeted therapy in Hodgkin lymphoma 🧬💊 Therapeutic Advances in Hematology (2023)

Conclusion:

Mu Wei is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His research is not only advancing CAR-T cell therapy but is addressing key obstacles in the field, such as T-cell exhaustion and immune resistance. His leadership in national research projects and consistent publication in top-tier journals demonstrate his strong research capabilities. With his clear focus on improving cancer immunotherapy, Mu Wei is poised to make lasting contributions to the field, and his work holds the potential to improve clinical outcomes for patients with blood cancers. Expanding his international collaborations and broadening his research scope could further amplify his impact in the global scientific and clinical communities.