My research focuses on the role of gut commensals in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the responses of NK cells in solid cancers. These findings build on my initial work as a Junior Research Scientist (JRS), where I explored the interactions between gut microbiota and immune responses in cancer progression.>> Immuno-oncology-microbiome (IOM) Axis.>>Immuno-gut-microbiome (IGM) Axis.

I am exploring the role of gut commensals—both bacteria and fungi—and their metabolic products as potent inducers of natural killer (NK) cell responses in cancer therapy, particularly in solid cancers.

These findings were the extension of my doctoral work where I explored the role of dietary salt like sodium and Zinc in modulation of tumor immunity. << My finding based on dietary sodium chloride (NaCl) intake found that it influences the interaction between natural killer (NK) cells and gut microbiota, providing protection against B16 melanoma. This work got published in Science Advances (2021; 10.1126/sciadv.abg5016). << In another finding based on dietary Zinc (Zn) we found that dietary zinc impairs anti-tumor immunity (Journal of Immunology, 2023; Frontier Immunology, 2024).

I am a dedicated researcher with a strong foundation in immunology and pharmacology. In my Ph.D. thesis, I investigated the immunomodulatory roles of nutraceuticals, vitamins and minerals, in regulating effector (Th17 and Th9) and regulatory T cells in inflammatory disease conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). >> My finding suggested that Vitamin A has the potential to influence the dynamics of succinate-producing and-consuming commensal bacteria in the gut, thereby mitigating tissue inflammation.>> My another finding suggested that dietary potassium intake enhances bile synthesis, which subsequently suppresses the inflammation in colitis. Additionally, this process promotes the growth of beneficial microbiota, particularly those belonging to the Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiracace families.>> This finding led to a patented discovery for autoimmune diseases (Indian Patent No. 202211005368). >> This finding also led to a clinical trial (ctrl.nic.in, Number: CTRI/2019/03/01827) at AIIMS, New Delhi, by Dr. Vineet Ahuja, in which coconut water was utilized as a potassium supplement for managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2024].>>During the national emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic, I contributed significantly and worked indefatigably in developing and standardizing animal models (Hamsters and ACE2.Tg mice) for COVID-19 research, which subsequently supported the pre-clinical validation of COVID-19 vaccine candidate and anti-viral (eLife 2022; Nature communications 2023). My work experience during the Covid-19 pandemic has given me a strong translational outlook.>> These innovative pre-clinical models played a crucial role in accelerating the development of several indigenous COVID-19 vaccines, including ZyCOV-D (Zydus Cadila), Corbevax (Biological E), Reliance Lifesciences' COVID-19 vaccine, Oravax (Premas Biotech), Mynvax vaccine candidate, Nanocovax, and Cornwall (Panacea Biotech).

I am a passionate pharmaceutical researcher with a Master’s degree from the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali. My research focused on the role of Pyruvate Kinase M2 (PKM2) as a moonlighting protein in the modulation of immune responses against intracellular pathogens, particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis. With a solid foundation in immunology and pharmacology, I am dedicated to advancing our understanding of infectious diseases and improving health outcomes.