Research Projects
Design and examine chimeric SIRPA molecules to modulate macrophage behavior in the tumor

Based on our pilot results, a student will continue the project of designing and examining the role of novel chimeric SIRPA molecules. SIRPA is an inhibitory receptor of macrophage phagocytosis. Inspired by the recent progress of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), novel types of chimeric receptors are flourishing in the field of cancer immunotherapy. In this project, a student will work with a team of scientists in Science Park to test the function of the chimeric receptors in macrophage cell lines and aim to bring the system to enhance CAR-macrophage technology.

Professor RR Sugimura, School of Biomedical Sciences

Professor Rio Sugimura is recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of hematology, immunology, and stem cell biology. His lab has two branches. One focuses on understanding the optimal structure and induction strategies of CAR in immune cells from human pluripotent stem cells at HKSTP. The other is on dissecting fundamental mechanisms of human immune cell development and the role of checkpoints using a single-cell multi-omics approach, Tumors-on-Chips, and assembloids at HKUMed. Professor Sugimura is a Director of the Blood Engineering Laboratory, a PI of the Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, and an Assistant Professor of HKUMed. 

https://www.riosugimura.com/

Biography
HKU Scholars Hub
Google Scholar
ORCID
Laboratory Homepage
rios@hku.hk

For more information or to express interest for this project, please email the supervisor or the specified contact point in the project description.  Interested candidates are advised to enclose with your email:

1. your CV,
2. a brief description of your research interest and experience, and
3. two reference letters (not required for HKUMed UG students seeking MRes[Med]/URIS projects).

Information on the research programme, funding support and admission documentations could be referenced online at the Research Postgraduate Admissions website. General admission enquiries should be directed to rpgmed@hku.hk.

HKUMed MBBS students interested in the Master of Research in Medicine (MRes[Med]) programme may visit the programme website for more information.  

HKUMed UG students interested in the Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme (URIS) may visit the scheme’s website for more information.