Suzhou Municipal Key Lab of Biomedical Sciences & Translational Immunology

Overview

The Suzhou Key Lab of Biomedical Sciences and Translational Immunology (BSTI) is committed to advancing scientific research and innovation in the field of Biomedicine with a keen focus on Transactional Immunology. Over the next three years, the laboratory aims to pursue a comprehensive research strategy that integrates the expertise of various research groups to address fundamental questions in Biomedical Sciences, contribute to the understanding of disease mechanisms, and develop novel biomarkers and therapeutic interventions.

Research themes

• Immunology

Objective: Explore the immune responses to cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious agents, with a specific emphasis on understanding the mechanisms of immune regulation and developing novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

• Microbiology and Microbiome

Objective: Elucidate the role of microorganisms in health and disease and the role of immunity in defence against these microorganisms. Through multidisciplinary approaches, we aim to unravel the complex dynamics of microbial communities, identify novel microbial species and functions, and contribute to innovative solutions for addressing global challenges related to microbiology field.

• Drug Discovery and Development

Objective: Advance the discovery and development of novel therapeutics, elucidate drug mechanisms of action, and optimize drug delivery systems to address unmet medical needs and improve treatment outcomes for various diseases.

Mission & Objectives

• Invest in laboratory equipment to accommodate state-of-the-art equipment necessary for advanced biomedical research.
• Establish connections and collaborative projects between the different groups. Foster collaborations with leading research institutions and universities globally to exchange knowledge and resources.
• Apply for grants from government agencies, private foundations, and industry partners to support research initiatives
• Present at prestigious conferences to disseminate knowledge and enhance visibility.
• Publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals.
• Secure intellectual property rights for novel discoveries and explore opportunities for technology transfer and commercialization.
• Expand research projects into new areas within the themes of the lab.
• Develop a sustainability plan to ensure the continued growth and success of the research lab.
• Evaluate research priorities, funding sources, and strategic partnerships to adapt to evolving scientific trends and healthcare needs.

Significance

The Key Lab of BSTI plays a pivotal role by focusing on fundamental research in biomedical sciences. The lab explores the underlying biological processes of health and disease to develop new therapies and diagnostic tools for diseases including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. The themes of the BSTI key lab reflect the lab’s commitment to advancing the frontiers of biomedical science and immunology, with a focus on translating research discoveries into tangible benefits for patients and society.

Team

Director: Professor Eyad Elkord

Team Members:

Research Theme 1: Immunology

Prof. Eyad Elkord (Theme leader, BIO): Immune regulation and immune responses in different disease settings.

Dr. Chun Chan (BIO): Structural modelling and computational analyses of immune system molecules, antigen optimization, immunogenicity prediction.

Dr. Antony Kam (BIO): Peptide drug and diagnostic discovery through the integration of chemical biology, synthetic biology, and molecular pharmacology approaches.

Dr. Francesco Zonta (BIO): Virtual Screening and design of monoclonal antibodies in drug discovery.

Research Theme 2: Microbiology and Microbiome

Dr. Yongtao Zhu (Theme leader, BIO): Pure culturing, biochemical/physiological characterization, genetic manipulation, and virulence mechanism studies of bacterial infectious agents.

Dr. Min Tang (BIO): How gut microbiome regulates immunity and interacts with the immune effectors in the gut, and how antibiotics disturb the gut microbiota and immunity.

Dr. Sekar Rajo (BIO): Antibiotic resistance in environmental and clinically relevant bacteria, microbial biofilms, and water/foodborne pathogens.

Research Theme 3: Drug Discovery and Development

Dr. Magdalini Matziari (Theme leader, CHEM): Design, synthesis, and in vitro evaluation of enzyme inhibitors.

Prof. Eyad Elkord (BIO): Validation of drugs related to immune diseases.  

Dr. Faez Iqbal Khan (BIO): Computational studies of bioactive molecules.

Dr. Xuan Xue (CHEM): Design and fabrication of polymer-based drug delivery systems.

Dr. Qian Zhang (CHEM): Design and synthesis of antibiotics.

 Outcomes

• The laboratory is expected to generate a significant number of publications in reputable scientific journals, showcasing groundbreaking research findings and contributing to the advancement of biomedical knowledge.
• Establishment of productive research collaborations with academic institutions, industry partners, and healthcare organizations to foster knowledge exchange, innovation, and mutual benefits.
• Receipt of awards and research grants to support research activities of the lab.
• The laboratory is committed to training the next generation of biomedical researchers to be the future leaders in the field.
• The dissemination of research outcomes and engagement with policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and the public should contribute to evidence-based decision-making and improved health outcomes.

Future directions

By focusing on different research themes, the Suzhou Key Lab of Biomedical Sciences and Translational Immunology will continue to drive progress in biomedical research and improve patient outcomes through innovative and translational approaches.