In a major stride for cancer immunotherapy research, Indian-American biomedical researcher Dr. Chandra Mohan has been named project director of the University of Houston’s (UH) Cancer Immunotherapy Biomarker Core (CIBC).
The initiative has secured a $3 million grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), part of a broader $93 million funding round supporting cancer research across the state.
Dr. Mohan, a renowned biomedical engineer and Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Endowed Professor, will lead the CIBC from within UH’s Drug Discovery Institute.
The cutting-edge research facility will be the first in Texas to offer highly advanced targeted proteomics capabilities.
This revolutionary technology enables researchers to screen thousands of proteins simultaneously, unlocking faster, more accurate identification of cancer biomarkers.
“Identifying better biomarkers for cancer will accelerate early diagnosis, improve prognostication, enable better monitoring of disease progression, and guide the development of more effective treatments,” said Dr. Mohan.
The CIBC’s core mission is to accelerate cancer research by enhancing the detection and monitoring of immune responses to cancer through proteomic profiling—a growing frontier in precision medicine.
A Collaborative Research Powerhouse
Joining Mohan as co-lead investigator is Dr. Weiyi Peng, associate professor of biology and biochemistry.
A specialist in immunoassays and T cell anti-tumor pathways, Dr. Peng also leads the Immunology Core at the Drug Discovery Institute and brings substantial expertise in preclinical model development.
“We are thrilled that Drs. Mohan and Peng received this award. The core is dedicated to immunology research, which aligns perfectly with our strategic research priorities,” said Dr. Claudia Neuhauser, Vice President for Research at the University of Houston.
Revolutionizing Cancer Immunotherapy Through Proteomics
Unlike traditional cancer treatments that aim to kill cancer cells directly, cancer immunotherapy works by enhancing the body’s immune system to identify and destroy tumors naturally. The new CIBC will advance this cutting-edge approach by offering researchers access to four state-of-the-art platforms, including:
- 11,000-plex targeted proteomic screen
- 21,000-plex protein array
- Additional high-throughput immunoassays and biomarker discovery tools
These powerful tools provide researchers with unprecedented insight into the human proteome, enabling the discovery of novel biomarkers that could lead to earlier diagnosis, personalized treatments, and improved patient outcomes.
A Strategic Milestone for Texas and Beyond
This initiative marks a significant investment in Texas’s leadership in cancer research and highlights the University of Houston’s growing prominence in biomedical innovation.
The $3 million CPRIT grant not only supports life-saving cancer research but also cements UH’s position at the forefront of the next generation of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
