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February 2025 – Gaurang Telang

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Gaurang Telang has been an ambassador since 2022, we highlighted him as Ambassador of the Month in January 2022. He has been a great addition to the team contributing news, course content and interviews. We caught up with him 3 years later to see how his scientific career has progressed.

Please can you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey in immunology research since 2022?

I am Gaurang Telang, currently pursuing a PhD at Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Mumbai, while also working as a Laboratory Operations Manager at BioRadius Therapeutic Research Pvt. Ltd., Pune. My research focuses on T cell immunology, specifically investigating the effects of MAGE-A3 on T cell functionality and exhaustion in lung cancer.

Since 2022, my journey in immunology has been both challenging and rewarding. I have worked extensively with flow cytometry, primary cell culture, and immune cell functional assays to better understand T cell behaviour in the tumour microenvironment. Additionally, I have been involved in multiple collaborations, technical discussions with industry experts, and mentoring students in immunological research. Over the years, my focus has expanded from basic immunology to translational research, aiming to bridge the gap between fundamental discoveries and clinical applications.

We would love to hear more about your ongoing research now three years later. What projects are you currently working on and how do they impact the field?

Currently, my research is centred on three major objectives:

  • MAGE-A3 and T Cell Activation: Investigating how MAGE-A3 influences early T cell activation markers and cytokine secretion.
  • Memory and Exhaustion Phenotype: Studying MAGE-A3-specific T cell memory responses and its role in reversing T cell exhaustion induced by chronic stimulation.
  • T Cell Cytotoxicity and Cancer Interaction: Assessing the functional impact of MAGE-A3-treated T cells on lung cancer cell lines, specifically their cytotoxic potential and tumour-killing efficacy.

These studies could provide insights into novel immunotherapeutic strategies targeting lung cancer by modulating T cell responses. If successful, they may contribute to the development of improved adoptive T cell therapies or cancer vaccines.

What inspired you to choose immunology as your focus within the field of science? Has this evolved over time?

My interest in immunology was sparked during my undergraduate studies when I first learned about the complexity and precision of the immune system. The idea that immune cells could recognize and eliminate cancerous or infected cells fascinated me. As I progressed in my career, I realized the vast potential of immunotherapy in treating cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infections.

Over time, my perspective has evolved from simply understanding immune responses to actively exploring ways to manipulate them for therapeutic benefits. Collaborating with patient-derived samples and tumour immunology models has deepened my appreciation for the challenges in the field and the need for translational approaches.

What specifically stood out about Immunopaedia that made you want to become an ambassador, and how has your experience as an ambassador affected you?

Immunopaedia stood out to me as a platform that effectively bridges knowledge gaps in immunology by making complex concepts accessible to students, researchers, and clinicians worldwide. The diversity of content—from foundational immunology to cutting-edge research—resonated with my passion for science communication.

As an ambassador, I have had the opportunity to contribute articles, conduct interviews with immunologists, and promote immunology education. This role has not only strengthened my understanding of the field but also connected me with a global network of experts and researchers. It has been a fulfilling experience to contribute to the dissemination of immunology knowledge and engage with a broader scientific community.

Based on your own experience, what one piece of advice would you give someone who wants to study or research immunology in today’s scientific landscape?

The field of immunology is rapidly evolving, and staying updated is crucial. My advice to aspiring immunologists is to cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and interdisciplinary thinking. Immunology intersects with genomics, bioinformatics, and even artificial intelligence, making it essential to explore beyond traditional boundaries.

Additionally, hands-on experience is invaluable – engaging in lab work, learning flow cytometry, and working with primary cell cultures can significantly enhance understanding. Lastly, networking with fellow researchers and mentors through conferences, workshops, and platforms like Immunopaedia can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

Can you share a moment of unexpected joy or surprise in your scientific career over the past three years that has stayed with you?

One of the most memorable moments in my career was when my first co-authored research paper was published. It was a significant milestone, marking the culmination of months of effort, troubleshooting experiments, and refining our hypotheses. Seeing our work recognized and available for the scientific community to read was incredibly fulfilling.

Another moment of joy was mentoring students in the lab and witnessing their growth in scientific thinking. Watching them develop their research skills, critically analyse data, and confidently present their findings has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey.

May we please have your most recent publications?