Shunbin Ning | Immunotherapy | Best Researcher Award

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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. 🌐🔍 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. 🧬🛡️ As a Professor at ETSU’s 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. 📚🧪 With over 100 publications and editorial roles across several scientific journals, he is a respected voice in the field. 📖🧠 His mentorship and leadership have significantly contributed to the advancement of viral immunopathology and novel immunotherapeutic strategies. 🌟👨‍🔬

💠Professional Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Education 

Professor Ning began his academic journey at Wuhan University, China, earning his B.S. in Cell Biology in July 1996. 🎓🔬 He further pursued a Ph.D. in Cell Biology and Genetics at the same institution, which he completed in December 2001. 🧬📘 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. 🇺🇸🧫 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. 🧠🧪 His education set a strong foundation for a prolific research career at the intersection of virology, immunology, and cancer biology. 🌍📚

💼 Experience 

With over two decades of academic and research excellence, Professor Ning has held significant positions in top institutions. 🏛️🧑‍🔬 Since 2024, he has served as Professor in Internal Medicine at ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine and a Scientist at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Tennessee. 🇺🇸⚕️ Previously, he held roles as Associate and Assistant Professor at ETSU and the University of Miami’s Sylvester Cancer Center. 🧪📍 He also contributes as Affiliate Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida. 🧑‍🏫 His leadership extends into the VA system as a WOC employee, reflecting his dedication to veteran health. 🪖❤️ His academic journey spans teaching, mentorship, and pioneering research in viral oncology and immunopathogenesis, making him a pivotal figure in translational medicine. 🔄🎓

🧪 Research Focus 

Professor Ning’s research is anchored in viral immunology and oncogenesis, particularly chronic infections like EBV and HTLV1. 🧫🧬 He explores how these viruses manipulate host immunity via DNA damage response (DDR), autophagy, immune checkpoints, and non-coding RNAs. 🔍🧠 His studies decode how these mechanisms foster viral latency, immune evasion, and cancer transformation. 🦠💥 Key areas include oxidative stress, interferon regulation, and ubiquitin-mediated signaling, revealing novel insights into inflammaging and tumor microenvironments. 🌡️🧪 His translational work identifies new immunotherapeutic targets for virus-associated diseases, especially in hematological malignancies. 🎯🧬 He also pioneers research into lncRNAs’ role in lymphoma development and IRF4 regulation in oncogenesis. 📊🧬 Through innovative methodologies, including phosphoproteomics and transcriptomics, he advances understanding of virus-host interactions, helping bridge molecular mechanisms with therapeutic strategies. 🧪💡

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Professor Ning’s excellence has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. 🏆🎓 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. 🔬💰 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). 🌍📜 Early in his career, he earned the Excellent PhD Thesis Award from both Wuhan University (2003) and China’s Ministry of Education (2005), as well as being named a top graduate student (2002). 🧑‍🎓🌟 His commitment to mentoring and service has also been honored by ASM for outstanding contributions to online mentoring and international programs. 💻🤝 These accolades reflect his scientific impact and dedication to global research advancement. 🌐💡

📘 Publications Top Notes

Guidelines for the Use and Interpretation of Assays for Monitoring Autophagy (4th Edition)

Authors: D.J. Klionsky, A.K. Abdel-Aziz, S. Abdelfatah, M. Abdellatif, A. Abdoli, S. Abel, et al. (including S. Ning)
Journal: Autophagy, Volume 17, Issue 1, Pages 1–382 (2021)
Summary:
This comprehensive and collaborative work offers updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in both in vivo and in vitro systems. 🧪📚 With contributions from hundreds of experts, including Dr. Ning, it covers key assays, markers, and interpretations critical for studying autophagy accurately. 🔍🧫 These standardized protocols ensure reproducibility across labs and support the effective application of autophagy-related research in fields such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and infectious diseases. 🌍🔬 An essential resource, this publication has become the gold standard for autophagy research worldwide. 🌟

IRF7: Activation, Regulation, Modification and Function

Authors: S. Ning, J.S. Pagano, G.N. Barber
Journal: Genes & Immunity, Volume 12, Issue 6, Pages 399–414 (2011)
Summary:
This review article highlights the central role of IRF7, a key transcription factor in antiviral immunity. 🛡️🧬 Dr. Ning and colleagues discuss its activation pathways, post-translational modifications, and regulatory networks, especially in the context of type I interferon production. ⚙️📊 The paper emphasizes IRF7’s importance in immune responses to viral infections like EBV, and its manipulation by viruses to evade immunity. 🦠⚠️ A valuable resource for understanding host-virus interactions and the molecular immunology of viral pathogenesis. 🧫📖

Salt Stress Induces Programmed Cell Death in Prokaryotic Organism Anabaena

Authors: S.B. Ning, H.L. Guo, L. Wang, Y.C. Song
Journal: Journal of Applied Microbiology, Volume 93, Issue 1, Pages 15–28 (2002)
Summary:
This early study by Dr. Ning explores how salt stress triggers programmed cell death (PCD) in the cyanobacterium Anabaena. 🧂🔬 The research identifies morphological and molecular changes indicative of apoptosis-like pathways, suggesting that even prokaryotes possess regulated death mechanisms under stress. ⚡🧫 This foundational work contributes to the broader understanding of cell death evolution and microbial stress responses. 🌱🧠

TRAF6 and the Three C-terminal Lysine Sites on IRF7 Are Required for Its Ubiquitination-mediated Activation by the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Family Member Latent Membrane Protein 1

Authors: S. Ning, A.D. Campos, B.G. Darnay, G.L. Bentz, J.S. Pagano
Journal: Molecular and Cellular Biology, Volume 28, Issue 20, Pages 6536–6546 (2008)
Summary:
This experimental study details how Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) protein LMP1 activates IRF7 via TRAF6-dependent ubiquitination. 🧬🔁 Dr. Ning and co-authors show that three specific lysine residues on IRF7 are essential for its activation, linking viral oncogenesis with host immune signaling. 🧪⚙️ This discovery sheds light on viral immune evasion and provides targets for antiviral strategies. 🦠💡

Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 Is Negatively Regulated by the Epstein-Barr Virus Immediate-Early Gene, BZLF-1

Authors: A.M. Hahn, L.E. Huye, S. Ning, J. Webster-Cyriaque, J.S. Pagano
Journal: Journal of Virology, Volume 79, Issue 15, Pages 10040–10052 (2005)
Summary:
This research reveals that EBV gene BZLF-1 suppresses the expression and function of IRF7, undermining the host’s antiviral interferon response. 🚫🧬 Dr. Ning contributed to showing how BZLF-1 impairs IRF7-mediated signaling, helping the virus establish latency and avoid immune detection. 🧫👁️ This work provides crucial insight into the immune evasion tactics of herpesviruses and their impact on host immunity. 🧠🦠

Professor Shunbin Ning stands at the forefront of viral immunology and cancer biology, contributing transformative insights into virus-host interactions. 🧬🌍 His pioneering research on EBV, immune regulation, and non-coding RNAs bridges fundamental biology with therapeutic potential. 🎯🧠 His dedication to mentorship, global collaboration, and editorial leadership enriches the scientific ecosystem. 🌱🌐 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. 📚🏅 His work not only deepens our understanding of chronic viral infections but also charts new paths toward immunotherapeutic breakthroughs. 💡💊 A true leader and visionary in his field, he exemplifies the synergy of scientific rigor and clinical relevance. 🧑‍🔬❤️

Salma Khan | Translational Research | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Salma Khan | Translational Research | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Loma Linda University, United States

Dr. Salma Khan is an accomplished Associate Professor at Loma Linda University, specializing in gynecologic oncology and molecular medicine. 🧬 With both MD and PhD credentials, she brings a rich blend of clinical expertise and cutting-edge research experience. Since 2006, Dr. Khan has focused on cancer biology, particularly studying survivin — a protein involved in cancer cell survival — and its role in cancer progression through exosomal pathways. Her work advances early cancer detection and highlights health disparities, making her a respected leader in cancer research and education. 🌟

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

ORCID

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Khan earned her MBBS/MD degree from Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal, India, followed by residency and fellowship training in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Kumamoto University, Japan. 🇮🇳🇧🇩🇯🇵 She completed her PhD in Gynecologic Oncology at Kumamoto University, where she specialized in molecular mechanisms of cancer. Her diverse international education has given her a broad, multidisciplinary perspective that informs her research and clinical work. 🎓📚

💼 Experience

Dr. Khan’s extensive experience spans clinical practice and academic research. She currently holds faculty positions at Loma Linda University in Basic Sciences, Internal Medicine, and Otolaryngology. 🏥 She has contributed as a postdoctoral fellow at prestigious institutions like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and LLU, focusing on molecular oncology. Additionally, Dr. Khan plays an active role in academic leadership, serving on committees for faculty promotion, research symposia, and diversity initiatives. 🏆

🔬 Research Interests

Her primary research explores the molecular biology of cancer, with a special focus on survivin — a protein that inhibits apoptosis (cell death) and promotes tumor growth and metastasis. 🔍 Dr. Khan investigates how survivin is released via exosomes (small vesicles secreted by cells) and how this process contributes to cancer progression and immune system evasion. She also studies the impact of genetic and epigenetic factors in breast and thyroid cancers, emphasizing health disparities among ethnic groups. 🌍

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Khan’s groundbreaking work has earned her several prestigious awards, including the Best Mentor Award from the Bangladesh Medical Association of Northern America (BMANA) in multiple years and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Health Disparities Award in 2024. 🏅 She has been recognized consistently with travel awards from the American Thyroid Association and the Endocrine Society for her scientific contributions and leadership in cancer research. 🎖️

📚 Publications Top Notes

1. Plasma-derived exosomal survivin, a plausible biomarker for early detection of prostate cancer

Authors: S Khan, JMS Jutzy, MMA Valenzuela, D Turay, JR Aspe, A Ashok, et al.
Journal: PLOS ONE
Year: 2012
Summary:
This study investigates survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein, released via exosomes in plasma and its potential as an early biomarker for prostate cancer. The authors demonstrate that survivin can be detected in plasma-derived exosomes from prostate cancer patients, suggesting that exosomal survivin could serve as a non-invasive, early detection biomarker for prostate cancer. The study highlights the significance of exosome-mediated communication in cancer progression and supports further development of survivin-based diagnostic tools.

2. Survivin is released from cancer cells via exosomes

Authors: S Khan, JMS Jutzy, JR Aspe, DW McGregor, JW Neidigh, NR Wall
Journal: Apoptosis
Year: 2011
Summary:
This publication identifies that survivin, a key protein involved in inhibiting cell death and promoting tumor survival, is actively secreted from cancer cells through exosomes. This finding reveals a novel mechanism of survivin release that may contribute to cancer cell communication, survival, and metastasis. Understanding the exosomal release of survivin opens new pathways for targeting survivin-mediated tumor progression.

3. Early diagnostic value of survivin and its alternative splice variants in breast cancer

Authors: S Khan, HF Bennit, D Turay, M Perez, S Mirshahidi, Y Yuan, NR Wall
Journal: BMC Cancer
Year: 2014
Summary:
This study evaluates survivin and its splice variants as potential early diagnostic biomarkers for breast cancer. The authors explore expression patterns of survivin variants in breast cancer tissues and show that some variants correlate with early stages of the disease, making them promising candidates for early detection. The study emphasizes the importance of alternative splicing of survivin in cancer biology and its diagnostic implications.

4. Extracellular, cell-permeable survivin inhibits apoptosis while promoting proliferative and metastatic potential

Authors: S Khan, JR Aspe, MG Asumen, F Almaguel, O Odumosu, et al.
Journal: British Journal of Cancer
Year: 2009
Summary:
This research shows that extracellular survivin, which is capable of entering cells, inhibits programmed cell death and enhances cancer cell proliferation and metastatic capacity. This dual role of survivin not only promotes tumor growth but also increases metastatic potential, providing insight into how extracellular survivin contributes to cancer progression and resistance to therapy.

5. PTEN promoter is methylated in a proportion of invasive breast cancers

Authors: S Khan, T Kumagai, J Vora, N Bose, I Sehgal, PH Koeffler, S Bose
Journal: International Journal of Cancer
Year: 2004
Summary:
This study examines the methylation status of the PTEN gene promoter in invasive breast cancers and finds that a subset of these cancers shows hypermethylation leading to PTEN silencing. Since PTEN is a tumor suppressor, its inactivation through promoter methylation can contribute to breast cancer progression. The study highlights epigenetic modifications as an important mechanism in breast cancer development.

✨ Conclusion

Dr. Salma Khan’s career embodies dedication to advancing cancer biology through innovative research on survivin and exosomal pathways. Her interdisciplinary expertise bridges clinical medicine and molecular science, addressing both biological mechanisms and health equity in cancer care. As a mentor, researcher, and clinician, she continues to impact cancer diagnostics, therapeutics, and education, shaping the future of oncology research. 🚀🎓