Shaylyn Grier
BME PhD Proposal Presentation

Date: 2025-08-22
Time: 10:00AM-12:00PM EST
Location / Meeting Link: IBB Suddath Seminar Room (IBB 1128); Zoom Link: 

Committee Members:
Ankur Singh, PhD (Advisor); Melissa Kemp, PhD; Tara Deans, PhD; Krishnendu Roy, PhD; Todd Sulchek, PhD


Title: Cationic nanowires for microRNA-driven differentiation of progenitor exhausted T cells

Abstract:
Persistent antigen exposure in solid tumors and chronic infections drives CD8+ T cell exhaustion, characterized by impaired function and expression of inhibitory receptors. A stem-like subset called progenitor exhausted T cells (Texprog) sustains immune responses and predicts better outcomes with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, Texprog levels vary widely among patients, limiting therapeutic consistency. We propose engineering nanowire technology to program naïve CD8+ T cells ex vivo into the Texprog state to produce defined, potent therapies independent of endogenous levels. Overall, my proposed research aims to establish Texprog cells as a durable, clinically relevant subset and demonstrate nanowire-mediated engineering as a promising strategy for next-generation cancer immunotherapy development.