Prankur Awasthi is currently pursuing PhD in Biotechnology at the Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India. His research focuses on the role of Epstein-Barr Virus in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, particularly investigating the role of EBV oncogenes influences on immune evasion and lymphoma progression. Prakur’s goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the immunological landscape in virus-related cancers and to identify potential immunotherapeutic targets.
Prakur joined the Immunopaedia Ambassador team after completing the IUIS-FIMSA-IIS Immuno-India 2023 course. Thanks for your contributions, Prankur!
Tell us about your journey in the field of immunology?
My journey into the field of immunology began with a deep interest in understanding how pathogens, especially viruses like EBV, manipulate the host immune system to promote disease. In this journey I got the chance to present my work national and international conferences. Recently in Nov 2024, I had the opportunity to present a part of my research at the Frontiers in Cancer Science (FCS) Conference in Singapore. I was honoured to receive the Young Scientist Travel Award from SERB (Science and Engineering Research Board), Government of India, to support my participation. This experience allowed me to share my findings with an international audience, gain constructive feedback, and engage in scientific discussions with global leaders in cancer immunology. This journey has been both intellectually rewarding and personally motivating, as it combines my passion for virology, immunology, and translational cancer research.
What inspired you to choose immunology as your focus within the field of science? Has this evolved over time?
Yes, my interest in immunology has evolved over time. During my childhood, I was deeply influenced by my late grandfather, who treated animals in his veterinary clinic. Watching him work sparked my curiosity about how diseases affect living beings and how treatments help restore health. This early exposure motivated me to pursue biology after high school.
I completed my BSc in Life Sciences from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Faizabad, India where I was introduced to the basics of immunology. Dissecting animal specimens and studying their internal systems deepened my understanding of physiology and metabolism.
My interest in immunology further strengthened during my master’s studies at GLA University, Mathura. There, I studied immunology as a core subject under the guidance of Dr. Ashok Kumar Bhatia, who was the Head of the Department at the time. His engaging and thorough teaching left a strong impression on me and inspired me to explore the field more deeply. This led me to pursue a PhD focused on the immunological aspects of cancer and viral infections. This journey ultimately led me to pursue a PhD focused on the immunological aspects of cancer and viral infections. I am especially grateful to my PhD supervisor, Dr. Saba Hasan (Assistant Professor, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh), and my co-supervisors for their continued support and motivation in shaping my research path.
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?
Stay curious and connect with other researchers, explore their work, and seek opportunities for collaboration. At the same time, don’t overlook funding avenues. Apply for grants, travel awards, and fellowships early in your career—they not only support your research but also broaden your exposure in the field.
Can you share a moment of unexpected joy or surprise in your scientific career over the past three years that has stayed with you?
Yes, one unforgettable moment was when my research paper received only minor revisions and got accepted the very next day after correction—it was a joyful surprise! Another was being awarded the SERB Young Scientist Travel Grant to attend the FCS 2024 conference in Singapore. It was also the first time my abstract was selected for an international conference, marking my first academic exposure abroad. These moments truly boosted my confidence and motivation.
What other passions do you have other than science?
When I’m not decoding immune responses, I like to pretend I’m a rockstar with my guitar, a grandmaster on the chessboard, or an artist with my sketchbook—depending on the day and mood!
May we please have your most recent publications?
- Awasthi, P., Kumar, D. and Hasan, S. (2024). Role of 14-3-3 protein family in the pathobiology of EBV in immortalized B cells and Alzheimer’s disease. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 11. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2024.1353828.
- Awasthi, P., Dwivedi, M., Kumar, D. and Hasan, S. (2022). Insights into intricacies of the Latent Membrane Protein-1 (LMP-1) in EBV-associated cancers. Life Sciences, 313, pp.121261–121261. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121261.
- Awasthi, P., Kohli, A.S., Dwivedi, M. and Hasan, S. (2025). Implications of EBV-Encoded and EBV-Related miRNAs in Tumors. Current Gene Therapy, 25. doi: https://doi.org/10.2174/0115665232327174241211075019.
