Das awarded Cain Fellowship grant

Jugal Das, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology at the Texas A&M University College of Medicine, was recently awarded a Cain Fellowship grant from the Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology.

The purpose of the Cain Fellowship is to provide support and funds for postdoctoral research fellows to carry out their independent research and to ultimately take them one step further in helping them transition their careers into independent researchers.

This $15,000 grant will support Das’s research, titled “Engineering HSP60-specific Treg cells for amelioration of autoimmune arthritis,” which studies the role of regulatory T cells (Treg cells), important cells in the immune system that can reduce inflammation, and how they can be engineered to help fight off rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that affects the joints in the human body.

Das earned his bachelor’s degree in biotechnology and bioinformatics at SRM University, master’s degree in biotechnology at the Vellore Institute of Technology and doctorate degree in biotechnology at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT University) in India. After finishing his schooling in India, he came to the College of Medicine to study T cell-mediated inflammation and immunology.

Das works in the lab of Jianxun “Jim” Song, PhD, professor in the Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology at the College of Medicine, who also has extensive experience researching the role of T-cell function in the immune system.

“I was extremely elated when I found out I was given this award because it was the first independent research proposal grant that I’ve ever received,” Das said. “As a postdoc, you’re always looking for more opportunities to transition into the next phase of being an independent researcher and assistant professor, so this award will help me in achieving those goals.”