Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

University of Michigan Medical School Department of Pathology | United States

Prof. Dr. Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska is an accomplished pharmaceutical chemist and molecular pharmacologist recognized for her groundbreaking work in the design, synthesis, and development of molecularly targeted small molecules for cancer treatment. She earned her foundational and advanced degrees in pharmaceutical chemistry from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, where she also began her academic career as a young assistant and later advanced through multiple teaching and research positions. Her dedication to chemical sciences and biomedical innovation led her to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Pathology and Associate Dean for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.Dr. Nikolovska-Coleska’s research is centered on the discovery of small molecule inhibitors that target protein–protein interactions involved in apoptosis, oncogenic signaling pathways, and epigenetic regulation. Her laboratory investigates mechanisms such as Mcl-1–Bim/Noxa, Bfl-1–Bim/Noxa, EZH2–p38 MAP kinase interactions, and histone methyltransferase activities, contributing to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for various malignancies. Through her integrative approach, combining chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and translational oncology, she has developed promising compounds for the modulation of signaling pathways implicated in cancer progression and resistance.Her clinical and translational research extends into precision medicine, where she applies functional assays to predict anti-cancer drug responses, aiming to enhance individualized therapeutic strategies. As a clinician-research scholar and educator, she has mentored numerous postdoctoral fellows, clinical trainees, and graduate students, guiding them in developing innovative research methodologies and critical scientific reasoning.Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Nikolovska-Coleska has played pivotal roles in multiple large-scale research initiatives, serving as Principal Investigator, Co-Investigator, and Mentor on numerous national and international grants focused on cancer biology, aging, and drug discovery. Her collaborations with global scientific institutions and pharmaceutical organizations have contributed to the advancement of targeted therapies, including the development of inhibitors against oncogenic proteins such as DOT1L, Mcl-1, EZH2, and PAPP-A.In addition to her research excellence, Dr. Nikolovska-Coleska has made outstanding contributions to academic leadership. As Director of the Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program and Associate Director of Academic Programs in Biomedical Sciences, she has overseen curriculum development, student recruitment, academic policy, and interdisciplinary research training. Her vision continues to shape the next generation of biomedical scientists, emphasizing the integration of molecular insights with clinical applications.Through her scholarly achievements, mentorship, and leadership, Prof. Dr. Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska stands as a leading figure in pharmaceutical chemistry and translational oncology, dedicated to advancing science that bridges molecular discovery with therapeutic innovation.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ding, K., Lu, Y., Nikolovska-Coleska, Z., Wang, G., Qiu, S., Shangary, S., Gao, W., et al. (2006). Structure-based design of spiro-oxindoles as potent, specific small-molecule inhibitors of the MDM2−p53 interaction. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 49(12), 3432–3435.

Shangary, S., Qin, D., McEachern, D., Liu, M., Miller, R. S., Qiu, S., et al. (2008). Temporal activation of p53 by a specific MDM2 inhibitor is selectively toxic to tumors and leads to complete tumor growth inhibition. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(10), 3933–3938.

Ding, K., Lu, Y., Nikolovska-Coleska, Z., Qiu, S., Ding, Y., Gao, W., Stuckey, J., et al. (2005). Structure-based design of potent non-peptide MDM2 inhibitors. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 127(29), 10130–10131.

Nikolovska-Coleska, Z., Wang, R., Fang, X., Pan, H., Tomita, Y., Li, P., Roller, P. P., et al. (2004). Development and optimization of a binding assay for the XIAP BIR3 domain using fluorescence polarization. Analytical Biochemistry, 332(2), 261–273.

Nikolovska-Coleska, Z., Xu, L., Hu, Z., Tomita, Y., Li, P., Roller, P. P., Wang, R., et al. (2004). Discovery of embelin as a cell-permeable, small-molecular-weight inhibitor of XIAP through structure-based computational screening of a traditional herbal medicine. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 47(10), 2430–2440.

Bagherian, M., Sabeti, E., Wang, K., Sartor, M. A., Nikolovska-Coleska, Z., et al. (2021). Machine learning approaches and databases for prediction of drug–target interaction: A survey paper. Briefings in Bioinformatics, 22(1), 247–269.

Wang, G., Nikolovska-Coleska, Z., Yang, C. Y., Wang, R., Tang, G., Guo, J., et al. (2006). Structure-based design of potent small-molecule inhibitors of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 49(21), 6139–6142.

Xu Yufen | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xu Yufen | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University | China

Dr. Xu Yufen, Ph.D. in Medicine and Associate Professor at Jiaxing University, has emerged as a dedicated academic and clinical researcher in the field of chest tumors, with a strong focus on lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and thymoma. Her academic and professional journey reflects a unique blend of clinical insight and rigorous scientific research, bridging traditional and modern medical practices to address some of the most pressing challenges in oncology.Her research portfolio encompasses multiple completed and ongoing projects, including significant contributions to the Zhejiang Provincial Science and Technology Program in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Jiaxing City’s Science and Technology Program. Presently, she is leading three active research projects aimed at developing innovative therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes in chest oncology. Her studies demonstrate a strong commitment to integrating clinical experience with advanced research methodologies, paving the way for evidence-based, patient-centered cancer care.Dr. Xu’s scholarly impact is reflected in her extensive publication record in high-quality journals indexed in SCI and Scopus. Notable works include Development and Validation of a Prognostic Nomogram for Early Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Study Based on the SEER Database and a Chinese Cohort, Effect of Postoperative Radiotherapy on Survival in Patients with Completely Resected and Pathologically Confirmed Stage N2 Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, LncRNA HCG11 Enhances the Chemosensitivity of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells to Gemcitabine via miR-17-5p/p21 Axis, and Akkermansia Muciniphila Outer Membrane Protein Regulates Recruitment of CD8+ T Cells in Lung Adenocarcinoma and Through JAK–STAT Signalling Pathway. These publications highlight her expertise in clinical oncology research, molecular biology, and the exploration of novel therapeutic targets.Her contributions to the academic community extend beyond research. Dr. Xu has been actively involved in professional organizations such as the Second Youth Committee of the Cancer Support Treatment Committee of the Zhejiang Society of Mathematical Medicine, the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology’s expert committee on integrated traditional and Western medicine, and the Youth Committee of the Zhejiang Medical Association Oncology Branch. Through these roles, she fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the translation of research findings into clinical practice.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Authors Unknown. (2024). Akkermansia muciniphila outer membrane protein regulates recruitment of CD8+ T cells in lung adenocarcinoma and through JAK–STAT signalling pathway. Microbial Biotechnology.

Authors Unknown. (n.d.). Research progress in the therapeutic application of traditional Chinese medicine for postoperative cough in patients with lung cancer. Journal Name Unknown.

Authors Unknown. (n.d.). LncRNA HCG11 enhances the chemosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cells to Gemcitabine via miR-17-5p/p21 axis. Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy.

Jinyu Liu | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

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Jinyu Liu | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

School of Public Health Jilin University | China

Mr. Jinyu Liu is a distinguished scholar in the fields of stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, toxicology, tissue engineering, and tumor pathobiology. He began his academic journey at the N. Bethune University of Medical Sciences, where he successfully completed his MD, followed by a Master’s degree in Toxicology and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the Institute of Regenerative Medicine. Building on this strong academic foundation, he embarked on an extensive research and teaching career across several leading institutions globally.Mr. Liu’s professional path includes serving as an Environmental Protection Engineer at the Songliao Water Conservancy Agency before moving into academic research and teaching. He held research positions at Zurich University Hospital in Switzerland, where he contributed significantly to studies in dermatology and regenerative medicine, followed by a research faculty position at the State University of New York at Buffalo in the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering. Returning to China, he joined Jilin University, holding roles such as Vice Chair of the Department of Pathobiology, Chair of the Department of Toxicology, and later Professor at the School of Public Health, where he continues to teach and mentor future scientists.Throughout his career, Mr. Liu has contributed extensively to scientific literature with publications spanning diverse research areas. His works include studies on PBX1 attenuating MeHg-induced SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis, AT-PBX1 fusion protein alleviating LPS-induced acute lung injury, and viral hijacking of host DDX60 promoting Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus replication. He has explored type 3 diabetes and metabolic reprogramming of brain neurons, neurotoxic β-amyloid oligomers causing mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons, and research on the development and regeneration of hair follicles. His studies have also examined circadian clock regulation in hair follicle cycles, the role of PBX1 in mammalian kidneys, oxidative stress modulation in mesenchymal stem cells, and CRISPR-Cas12a-based detection of monkeypox virus.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Chen, Z., Liu, X., Zuo, K., Xin, Y., & Liu, J. (2025). TAT-PBX1 fusion protein alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury via AMPK-TFAM signaling activation. Molecular Therapy.

Sui, Y., Marzi, A., Xu, Q., Liu, M., Liu, X., Liu, X., Wang, Y., Meng, X., Liu, Z., Li, Q., et al. (2025). Viral hijacking of host DDX60 promotes Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus replication via G-quadruplex unwinding. PLOS Pathogens, 21(6), e1013278.

Sui, Y., Liu, F., Zheng, S., Liu, X., Sun, P., Yao, C., Zhang, Y., Gao, H., Gao, X., & Liu, J. (2023). G-quadruplexes folding mediates downregulation of PBX1 expression in melanoma. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 8(1), 12.

Sui, Y., Xu, Q., Liu, M., Zuo, K., Liu, X., & Liu, J. (2022). CRISPR-Cas12a-based detection of monkeypox virus. Journal of Infection, 85(6), 702–769.

Ma, Y., Li, M., Liu, J., Pang, C., Zhang, J., Li, Y., & Fu, X. (2018). Location, isolation, and identification of mesenchymal stem cells from adult human sweat glands. Stem Cells International, Article ID 2090276.

Matlou Mokgotho | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University | South Africa

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho is a distinguished biochemist and academic leader with over two decades of experience in higher education, research, and community development. Currently a Senior Lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, he has previously served as Professor and Head of Department of Biochemistry at the University of Limpopo. His expertise spans molecular biology, proteomics, bioenergetics, enzymology, and mammalian cell cultures. Beyond academia, Dr. Mokgotho has actively contributed to community health awareness initiatives, youth leadership, and ethical oversight in research and professional bodies. His leadership, research excellence, and dedication to mentorship continue to inspire future scientists in South Africa.

Publication Profile 

Orcid

Education 

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry from the University of Limpopo, conferred. He earned his Master of Science in Biochemistry his Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry  both from the University of the North. He also completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Microbiology at the same institution. His academic foundation was laid at Seshigo High School, where he obtained his Senior Certificate. This strong educational background provided him with the knowledge and skills to excel in biochemical sciences and academic leadership.

Experience 

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho career spans roles from tutor to senior lecturer, professor, and department head. He began lecturing in Biochemistry at the University of the North before joining the University of Limpopo, where he advanced to Professor and Head of Department. His teaching portfolio covers biochemistry, molecular biology, proteomics, cell culture, and bioenergetics. He also served as CEO of Milestevens Development and Properties, showcasing leadership in management. Currently, he is Senior Lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology and a module critical reader at UNISA. His responsibilities include teaching, research coordination, and academic mentorship.

Awards and Honors 

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho has been recognized for his academic, community, and leadership contributions. He received certificates for AIDS Awareness campaigns and laboratory assistance during his early career, highlighting his dedication to education and health promotion. His leadership in youth and church organizations earned him certificates of moral leadership and community service, while his active role in HIV/AIDS awareness workshops reflected his commitment to social impact. As a council member of the South African Dental Technician Council, he contributed to professional ethics and governance. These accolades underscore his commitment to advancing science, leadership, and community development.

Research Focus 

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho research focuses on biochemistry, molecular biology, and proteomics, with a special interest in bioenergetics, protein structure-function relationships, and mammalian cell cultures. His work bridges fundamental and applied science, exploring enzymology, molecular mechanisms, and the applications of cell cultures in medical research. He has also contributed to developing experimental methodologies and training students in proposal writing, research principles, and dissertation development. His commitment to advancing biochemistry is reflected in his integration of teaching, research, and community engagement, with a strong emphasis on preparing students for careers in molecular science and addressing health challenges through biotechnological approaches.

Publication Top Notes

Xiao Sheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xiao Sheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

lecturer at Naval Medical University School of Pharmacy | China

Dr. Xiao Sheng is a distinguished researcher in biochemistry and molecular biology at the Navy Medical University, China. His work bridges traditional Chinese medicine, molecular signaling, and intestinal health, with a focus on aging and regenerative biology. As a principal investigator of multiple funded projects, he has made significant contributions to understanding mechanisms of intestinal stem cell regulation, tumor progression, and herbal medicine efficacy. His publications in high-impact journals highlight pioneering findings in antioxidant pathways, stem cell biology, and gut regeneration. Dr. Xiao is actively engaged in international collaborations, scientific societies, and editorial responsibilities in biomedical research.

Publication Profile 

Orcid

Education 

Dr. Xiao Sheng completed his academic training in biochemistry and molecular biology, developing a strong foundation in cellular and molecular research. At the Navy Medical University, he pursued advanced education integrating biomedical sciences with translational research approaches. His education emphasized experimental medicine, molecular signaling pathways, and the application of traditional Chinese medicine concepts within modern biological frameworks. This interdisciplinary training enabled him to explore the interaction between cellular metabolism, intestinal regeneration, and aging biology. His academic preparation laid the groundwork for his later success as a principal investigator and contributed to his leadership in national and international scientific initiatives.

Experience 

Dr. Xiao Sheng  has extensive experience leading research in biochemistry, molecular biology, and translational medicine. As principal investigator, he heads projects supported by Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center and the Second Military Medical University, focusing on intestinal injury repair, tumor biology, and herbal medicine. His work extends to national research initiatives such as the National Key R&D Program and the National Natural Science Foundation of China, where he has contributed as a key participant. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, serves on editorial boards, and holds active memberships in professional committees, advancing biomedical research and international scientific collaboration.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Xiao Sheng has received multiple recognitions for his scientific contributions. He earned the Outstanding Poster Award at the International and Chinese Drosophila Biology Congress, demonstrating the novelty of his research in model organisms. His innovative approaches to Chinese medicine research were honored with the Third Prize in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Group at the National Undergraduate Forum on Innovative Research in Basic Medicine and Experimental Design. Recently, he was named a “Shizhen Scholar,” reflecting his leadership and excellence in integrating traditional medicine with modern molecular biology. These awards underscore his contributions to translational and interdisciplinary biomedical research.

Research Focus 

Dr. Xiao’s  Sheng  research centers on molecular mechanisms regulating intestinal stem cell biology, aging, and regenerative medicine. He explores how herbal medicine compounds influence cellular pathways, particularly the Keap1–Nrf2 signaling axis, to mitigate intestinal injury and aging-related disorders. His studies extend to tumor biology, focusing on how nuclear lamina proteins drive cancer development through cell competition. Additionally, he investigates molecular regulators of gut regeneration, including transcription factors and RNA modifications. His interdisciplinary approach combines traditional Chinese medicine with modern molecular biology, advancing novel therapeutic strategies. His work holds promise for improving treatments for age-related diseases and metabolic disorders.

Publication Top Notes

Unlocking nature’s medicine cabinet through Drosophila–Driven exploration

Werner syndrome exonuclease promotes gut regeneration and causes age-associated gut hyperplasia in Drosophila

Phase separation of BuGZ regulates gut regeneration and aging through interaction with m6A regulators

Antioxidant Effects of Caffeic Acid Lead to Protection of Drosophila Intestinal Stem Cell Aging

Aging-related upregulation of the homeobox gene caudal represses intestinal stem cell differentiation in Drosophila

Gaetan Ligat | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat at Toulouse University | France

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat is a molecular virologist and principal investigator at Toulouse University, affiliated with INSERM UMR1291 and CNRS UMR5051. He leads the ViNeDys team at the Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, focusing on host–human cytomegalovirus interactions in brain tumors and therapeutic innovation. With extensive research and teaching experience across France, he has contributed to advancing antiviral strategies, mentoring young scientists, and promoting scientific communication. He is actively engaged in international collaborations, scientific societies, and community outreach, while securing multiple research grants to strengthen translational virology and oncology research.

Publication Profile 

Google Scholar

Education 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat pursued his scientific training at Limoges University, France. He earned a Master of Science degree in Genetics and Physiology, which laid the foundation for his research career. He then advanced to doctoral studies at INSERM UMR1092, Limoges University, where he specialized in Molecular Virology, completing his PhD with distinction. His academic formation emphasized molecular biology, virus-host interactions, and translational virology, providing expertise in genetics, physiology, and applied biomedical sciences. This strong educational background enabled him to develop a career bridging fundamental research and therapeutic applications, particularly in virology, cancer biology, and innovative antiviral treatment strategies.

Experience 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat is Associate Professor of Virology at Toulouse University, where he also serves as Principal Investigator and group leader of the ViNeDys team at the Infinity Institute. His work focuses on host–HCMV interactions and therapeutic innovation in brain tumors. Previously, he was a postdoctoral researcher at INSERM UMR1110 in Strasbourg, specializing in antiviral strategies. He began his research as a Master’s and PhD candidate at INSERM UMR1092, Limoges. Alongside research, he has coordinated training programs, practical courses, and supervised over 20 students. He is deeply involved in scientific societies, equality initiatives, and international collaborations.

Awards and Honors 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat has received numerous prestigious recognitions, including the National Thesis Prize from the French Society of Microbiology and fellowships from the French National Agency for Research on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis (ANRS). He was awarded an ESCMID Research Grant, travel grants from the French Society of Microbiology, and registration bursaries for international congresses. His successful fundraising as principal investigator includes support from cancer foundations, patient associations, and Inserm/Regional PhD funding. These honors reflect both his scientific excellence and commitment to translational virology and oncology research. His awards highlight his impact on advancing antiviral and therapeutic research.

Research Focus 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat research focuses on the molecular biology of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and its interaction with host cells, particularly in brain tumor environments. His work aims to understand how viral mechanisms contribute to disease progression and to identify novel therapeutic targets. He develops innovative antiviral strategies, including peptides and antibodies targeting HCMV protein interactions. His research also explores inflammatory responses, host-pathogen dynamics, and translational approaches for cancer treatment. Through collaborative projects and funded research programs, he seeks to bridge fundamental virology with therapeutic innovation, advancing the fight against viral infections and HCMV-related diseases in oncology.

Publication Top Notes

The human cytomegalovirus terminase complex as an antiviral target: a close-up view

Capsid assembly modulators as antiviral agents against HBV: molecular mechanisms and clinical perspectives

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)–apolipoprotein interactions and immune evasion and their impact on HCV vaccine design

Hepatitis B virus–host interactions and novel targets for viral cure

Hepatitis B virus core variants, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma

Targeting viral cccDNA for cure of chronic hepatitis B

The Yin and the Yang of extracellular vesicles during viral infections

Structures and divergent mechanisms in capsid maturation and stabilization following genome packaging of human cytomegalovirus and herpesviruses

Contrasting effect of new HCMV pUL54 mutations on antiviral drug susceptibility: benefits and limits of 3D analysis

Interferon‐Induced Transmembrane Proteins Mediate Viral Evasion in Acute and Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Identification of a short sequence in the HCMV terminase pUL56 essential for interaction with pUL89 subunit

Identification of amino acids essential for viral replication in the HCMV helicase-primase complex

Song Guo Zheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Song Guo Zheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Chair Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine | China

Prof. Song Guo Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., is an internationally renowned immunologist and clinician-scientist specializing in rheumatology, molecular immunology, and translational medicine. He currently serves as Chair Professor and Dean of the School of Cell and Gene Therapy at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. With academic leadership roles across prestigious institutions in the U.S. and China, his pioneering work spans autoimmunity, cell therapy, and immunoregulation. A prolific author with over 110 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals, Prof. Zheng is also a highly decorated researcher and active leader in global immunology societies. His contributions continue to shape modern immunotherapy and precision medicine.

Publication Profile 

Google Scholar

Orcid

Education 

Prof. Zheng earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Immunology from the University of Orleans, France (2011), and a Master’s in Pathology and Immunology from Shanghai Medical University (1992). He completed his M.D. at Anhui Medical University (1984). His clinical training included a residency in surgery at Chizhou City Hospital (1984–1989) and an internship at Shanghai Zhabei Hospital (1983–1984). He further pursued a pathology fellowship at Shanghai Medical University Cancer Hospital (1989–1993). These academic and clinical foundations laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in immunology, clinical research, and translational medicine across both China and the United States.

Experience 

Prof. Zheng currently serves as Chair Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Dean of the School of Cell and Gene Therapy (2023–Present). He previously held senior positions including the Ronald L. Whisler Chair in Rheumatology and Immunology at Ohio State University (2018–2022) and Director at Penn State University’s College of Medicine (2013–2018). His U.S. academic journey began at the University of Southern California as an assistant and associate professor (2004–2013), after postdoctoral work at USC and UCLA. With leadership in research, teaching, and clinical science, he has become a global authority in immunological therapeutics and rheumatology.

Awards

Prof. Zheng has received numerous prestigious honors, including the Outstanding Scientist Award (2023, USA) and the Distinguished Clinical Immunologist Award (2019, China). He was awarded the Edmund L. Dubois Award (2019), NIH STAR Award (2016–2021), and was Chair of NIH MOSS Study Section (2016). Notably, he earned the James R. Klinenberg Award for best immunologist in Southern California (2007) and the Freda Newton Memorial Scholar Award (2006). He is an elected member of The Henry Kunkel Society (2012) and a recipient of the ACR Investigator Award (2008–2010), reflecting his impactful and sustained contributions to clinical immunology.

Research Focus 

Prof. Zheng’s research centers on molecular immunology, particularly in autoimmune diseases, Treg/Th17 cell modulation, and immune tolerance mechanisms. He investigates immunometabolism, gene and cell therapy, and inflammatory signaling pathways with an emphasis on clinical translation. His studies on cytokines, nanomedicine, and immune checkpoint regulation aim to advance precision therapeutics for rheumatic and inflammatory diseases. He integrates cutting-edge techniques including single-cell sequencing, CRISPR-based modulation, and nano-drug delivery systems. His innovative research is highly cited and supports next-generation treatments for autoimmunity, cancer immunotherapy, and organ-specific inflammation, shaping global trends in immune-based medical interventions.

Publication Top Notes

Natural and induced CD4+ CD25+ cells educate CD4+ CD25− cells to develop suppressive activity: the role of IL-2, TGF-β, and IL-10

IL-2 is essential for TGF-β to convert naive CD4+ CD25− cells to CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and for expansion of these cells

Role of vitamin A in the immune system

Generation ex vivo of TGF-β-producing regulatory T cells from CD4+ CD25− precursors

Vitamin D and chronic diseases

TGF-β requires CTLA-4 early after T cell activation to induce FoxP3 and generate adaptive CD4+ CD25+ regulatory cells

Natural and TGF-β–induced Foxp3+ CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells are not mirror images of each other

Role of TNF–TNF receptor 2 signal in regulatory T cells and its therapeutic implications

Cutting edge: Foxp3+ CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells induced by IL-2 and TGF-β are resistant to Th17 conversion by IL-6

Hall of fame among pro-inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-6 gene and its transcriptional regulation mechanisms

The ubiquitin ligase Stub1 negatively modulates regulatory T cell suppressive activity by promoting degradation of the transcription factor Foxp3

The role of the combination of IL-2 and TGF-β or IL-10 in the generation and function of CD4+ CD25+ and CD8+regulatory T cell subsets

Conclusion

Given his outstanding scientific productivity, leadership in global immunology communities, and groundbreaking research on immune regulation, Prof. Song Guo Zheng is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His body of work demonstrates not only scientific depth and innovation but also sustained impact on the field of immunology and clinical medicine. With ongoing contributions and strategic improvements, he remains a central figure in advancing immune-based therapies and education worldwide.