Tushar D. Nichakawade
T cells can be engineered to target and kill cancer cells via synthetic proteins called chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). In the clinic, CAR T cells are targeted to single antigens overexpressed on cancer, but also kill normal cells because those antigens are not entirely cancer specific. For some blood cancers, the resulting normal toxicity is manageable, but this is not the case for most other cancers. During my Ph.D. in the lab of Dr. Kenneth Kinzler and Dr. Bert Vogelstein at The Ludwig Center at Johns Hopkins, I focused on engineering new synthetic receptors that enable CAR T cells to kill cancer cells based on combinations of antigens with Boolean logic. These new receptors allow engineered T cells to more precisely kill cancer cells and spare normal cells, yielding a safe and more effective cancer therapy.
Questions & Answers
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?
I chose to attend Johns Hopkins for my Ph.D. because of the highly interdisciplinary research environment and focus on translational research. The expertise we have in science, engineering and medicine is unparalleled and helps us solve the biggest problems affecting patients.
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?
I am incredibly grateful to be recognized for the Michael A. Shanoff Research Award for my Ph.D. research. It is an honor to be included among the previous winners, many of whom I look up to. For me, this milestone means continuing to tackle big problems and engineering useful solutions for those in need.
What contributed to your project’s success?
My project’s success is a testament to all the mentors who have shaped my creative thinking process, both at Johns Hopkins and at previous institutions.
I would particularly like to thank Dr. Surojit Sur and Dr. Suman Paul for their mentorship in ideation and experimental execution for my projects. Mentorship from Dr. Denis Wirtz, Dr. Shibin Zhou, Dr. Bert Vogelstein and Dr. Kenneth Kinzler were also invaluable to my project for providing scope
and direction. Additionally, the open scientific discussion and insights provided by fellow staff, trainees and faculty at The Ludwig Center also played a critical role in the success of this research.
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?
The Young Investigators’ Day celebration is an important way to remember and honor the legacy of biomedical research at Johns Hopkins. It is a reminder that students and fellows are critical to scientific innovation and discovery.
The event itself is also important for showcasing the diverse research at Hopkins and fostering community.
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?
There are too many to count, but the moments when an initially serious brainstorming session turns into a silly one are the best! Especially when the resulting idea seems realistic enough but is certainly impractical.
What are your plans for the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?
After graduating, I hope to work toward leading a lab that will leverage synthetic biology and protein engineering to create unique solutions for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?
If I am not in the lab, you can probably find me on the tennis court! I also enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors.