UChicago PME Distinguished Colloquium - Dr. Ankur Singh

Revolutionizing Medicine: Immune Organoids and Immune-Competent Organ-on-Chip Systems

The human immune system is a complex and vital defense network, yet its dysfunction underlies many diseases. Developing effective vaccines, immunotherapies, and cell therapies for infections, cancer, inflammation, and age-related conditions requires a deep understanding of how immune cells develop and activate in primary, secondary, and tertiary lymphoid organs. Traditionally limited to in vivo studies and 2D in vitro models, which lack full physiological relevance, research is now advancing with engineered human ex vivo immune organoids. These synthetic tissues mimic the structure and function of natural immune organs, enabling precise control of cellular interactions. My lab focuses on creating such organoids by combining engineered materials with donor-derived immune cells to produce antibody-secreting cells and test immunogenicity. We are also developing advanced organ-on-chip systems with full immuno-competency for use in infection, inflammation, oncology, and drug nels comet my or use in neon, development, opening new possibilities for groundbreaking therapeutic discoveries.

Hosted by: Prof. Savas Tay