Haval Shirwan, PhD

Profile

The primary focus of our translational research program is to develop safe and practical immunomodulatory approaches with applications to transplantation, autoimmunity, and cancer. To achieve this goal, we pioneered a proprietary platform technology, ProtEx™, that allows for the generation of novel recombinant immune ligands and their positional display as single agents or in combination on biological and nonbiologic surfaces for localized immunomodulation. We are also assessing various vehicles, including live bacterial vectors and nanoparticles, for targeted delivery of these biologics in vivo to modulate immune effector and regulatory responses for therapeutic purposes. A proprietary lead biologic delivered using hydrogels has shown efficacy for the treatment of diabetes in rodents and nonhuman primates and presently being developed for clinical translation.  In parallel, candidate immunostimulatory molecules are also being developed for cancer immunoprevention and immunotherapy using rodent and humanized mouse models. A lead candidate in this category was recently shown to train the immune system for long-term protection against various cancer types, the first report of an unusual finding with significant translational potential for cancer as well as infectious diseases.  

Academic Information

Professor

Office

1030 Hitt Street, Ste 2004
NextGen Precision Health Bldg
Columbia, MO 65211
United States

P. 573-884-6720

Research Interests

  • Autoimmunity
  • Cancer Immunoprevention/Immunotherapy
  • Transplantation
  • Vaccinology

Areas of Expertise

  • Alloimmunity
  • Apoptosis
  • Development of novel biologics
  • Immune adjuvants
  • Immunomodulation
  • Immune checkpoints
  • Targeted delivery of biologics
  • Type 1 diabetes

Education & Training

MS, Molecular Biology/Biochemistry

University of California, Santa Barbara, CA

PhD, Molecular Biology/Biochemistry

University of California, Santa Barbara, CA

Postdoctoral Training

California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA

Awards & Honors

Issued Patents

  • Shirwan, H., Alteration of cell membrane for new functions. US patent US patent 8,728,747, 05/20/2014
  • Shirwan, H., Methods of immune modulation with death receptor-induced apoptosis. US patent 8,551,494, 10/08/2013
  • Shirwan, H., Alteration of cell membrane for new functions. CA patent 2413237. 09/10/2013
  • Shirwan, H., Immune modulation with death-receptor-induced apoptosis. Japanese patent JP 4898049. 01/06/2012
  • Shirwan, H., Alteration of cell membrane with FasL. US patent 8,076,096, 12/13/2011
  • Shirwan, H., Alteration of cell membrane for new functions. EU patent 1299522. 11/02/2011
  • Shirwan, H., K.G. Elpek, and E.S. Yolcu., Immunostimulatory compositions and methods. US patent 8,017,582. 09/13/2011
  • Shirwan, H., Fas ligand-avidin/streptavidin fusion proteins US Patent 7,927,602. 08/19/2011
  • Shirwan, H., Immune modulation with death-receptor-induced apoptosis. EU Patent 1250055. 09/15/2010
  • Shirwan, H., Methods and Compositions for Expanding T Regulatory Cells. US Patent 7,745,215. 06/29/2010
  • Shirwan, H., K.G. Elpek, and E.S. Yolcu., Immunostimulatory compositions and methods. US Patent 7,598,345. 10/06/2009
  • Shirwan, H., Alteration of Cell Membrane with B7. US Patent 7,238,360. 06/03/2

In the News

Publications

Selected peer-reviewed publications (out of 127)

Complete list of publications