Dr. Shunbin Ning | Immunotherapy | Best Researcher Award
Professor, East Tennessee State University, United States
Professor Shunbin Ning is a renowned expert in viral oncology and immunology, with a passion for uncovering the intricate mechanisms of chronic viral infections and immune deregulation. ππ His groundbreaking work explores how viruses like EBV and HTLV1 disrupt immune checkpoints, DNA damage response, and metabolic pathways to establish latency and drive cancer progression. π§¬π‘οΈ As a Professor at ETSUβs Quillen College of Medicine and a Scientist at the Mountain Home VA Medical Center, he has led NIH- and DoD-funded research projects focused on long noncoding RNAs, selective autophagy, and oncogenic IRFs. ππ§ͺ With over 100 publications and editorial roles across several scientific journals, he is a respected voice in the field. ππ§ His mentorship and leadership have significantly contributed to the advancement of viral immunopathology and novel immunotherapeutic strategies. ππ¨βπ¬
π Professional Profile
π EducationΒ
Professor Ning began his academic journey at Wuhan University, China, earning his B.S. in Cell Biology in July 1996. ππ¬ He further pursued a Ph.D. in Cell Biology and Genetics at the same institution, which he completed in December 2001. π§¬π Driven by a passion for research, he moved to the United States for postdoctoral training in Viral Oncology and Immunology at UNC Chapel Hill, completing it in March 2007. πΊπΈπ§« His academic path continued with roles as Research Associate and later as Research Assistant Professor at UNC, where he deepened his expertise in host-pathogen interactions, chronic infections, and immune system regulation. π§ π§ͺ His education set a strong foundation for a prolific research career at the intersection of virology, immunology, and cancer biology. ππ
πΌ ExperienceΒ
With over two decades of academic and research excellence, Professor Ning has held significant positions in top institutions. ποΈπ§βπ¬ Since 2024, he has served as Professor in Internal Medicine at ETSUβs Quillen College of Medicine and a Scientist at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Tennessee. πΊπΈβοΈ Previously, he held roles as Associate and Assistant Professor at ETSU and the University of Miami’s Sylvester Cancer Center. π§ͺπ He also contributes as Affiliate Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida. π§βπ« His leadership extends into the VA system as a WOC employee, reflecting his dedication to veteran health. πͺβ€οΈ His academic journey spans teaching, mentorship, and pioneering research in viral oncology and immunopathogenesis, making him a pivotal figure in translational medicine. ππ
π§ͺ Research FocusΒ
Professor Ningβs research is anchored in viral immunology and oncogenesis, particularly chronic infections like EBV and HTLV1. π§«π§¬ He explores how these viruses manipulate host immunity via DNA damage response (DDR), autophagy, immune checkpoints, and non-coding RNAs. ππ§ His studies decode how these mechanisms foster viral latency, immune evasion, and cancer transformation. π¦ π₯ Key areas include oxidative stress, interferon regulation, and ubiquitin-mediated signaling, revealing novel insights into inflammaging and tumor microenvironments. π‘οΈπ§ͺ His translational work identifies new immunotherapeutic targets for virus-associated diseases, especially in hematological malignancies. π―𧬠He also pioneers research into lncRNAsβ role in lymphoma development and IRF4 regulation in oncogenesis. π𧬠Through innovative methodologies, including phosphoproteomics and transcriptomics, he advances understanding of virus-host interactions, helping bridge molecular mechanisms with therapeutic strategies. π§ͺπ‘
π Awards and HonorsΒ
Professor Ningβs excellence has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. ππ He is a two-time awardee of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), receiving both a Scholarship (2012) and Bridge Grant (2020) for his impactful research. π¬π° His accolades include the Leukemia Research Foundation Award (2010), Florida Department of Health New Investigator Award (2010), and an International Professorship Award from the ASM (2009). ππ Early in his career, he earned the Excellent PhD Thesis Award from both Wuhan University (2003) and Chinaβs Ministry of Education (2005), as well as being named a top graduate student (2002). π§βππ His commitment to mentoring and service has also been honored by ASM for outstanding contributions to online mentoring and international programs. π»π€ These accolades reflect his scientific impact and dedication to global research advancement. ππ‘
π Publications Top Notes
Guidelines for the Use and Interpretation of Assays for Monitoring Autophagy (4th Edition)
Professor Shunbin Ning stands at the forefront of viral immunology and cancer biology, contributing transformative insights into virus-host interactions. π§¬π His pioneering research on EBV, immune regulation, and non-coding RNAs bridges fundamental biology with therapeutic potential. π―π§ His dedication to mentorship, global collaboration, and editorial leadership enriches the scientific ecosystem. π±π Through over 100 publications, continuous NIH/DoD-funded projects, and service on international boards and review panels, Professor Ning continues to inspire innovation and excellence in biomedical science. ππ His work not only deepens our understanding of chronic viral infections but also charts new paths toward immunotherapeutic breakthroughs. π‘π A true leader and visionary in his field, he exemplifies the synergy of scientific rigor and clinical relevance. π§βπ¬β€οΈ