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MSI Lab Molecular & Structural Immunology
Institutional Research Roadmap

Major Objectives of Our Research Projects

Addressing urgent tropical infectious diseases through multi-scale structural biology, protein engineering, and translational vaccinology across four tightly integrated core domains.

Domain 01 Viral Vaccinology
Core Domain

Strategic Viral Countermeasures & Pan-Vaccine Engineering

Engineering stable, recombinant subunit vaccine immunogens against rapidly evolving tropical viral pathogens—principally SARS-CoV-2 (Omicron lineages), Dengue virus (all 4 circulating serotypes), and Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV). We focus on solving inclusion body insolubility using patented solubility tags to produce affordable, shelf-stable vaccines for developing nations.

Methodologies:
  • High-yield bacterial expression in Escherichia coli
  • Thermo Scientific & Hitachi HPLC size-exclusion & ion-exchange chromatography
  • Negative-stain Cryo-EM & X-ray crystallography structural modeling
Key Deliverables:
  • Tetravalent Dengue ED3 vaccine candidates avoiding ADE
  • Room-temperature stable non-glycosylated Omicron RBD antigens
  • Validated JEV EDIII subunit immunogen (Vaccine 2025)
Domain 02 Host Signaling
Core Domain

Molecular Immune Signaling & Host-Pathogen Interfaces

Dissecting the biophysical networks governing host immune recognition and viral evasion. We investigate pattern recognition receptor (PRR) activation, cytokine storm triggers, and the hazardous phenomenon of Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE) where sub-neutralizing antibodies worsen secondary infections.

Methodologies:
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) & biolayer interferometry kinetics
  • High-throughput flow cytometry & cytokine bead arrays
  • Neutralizing antibody plaque-reduction neutralization testing (PRNT)
Key Deliverables:
  • Identification of ADE-inducing vs neutralizing epitopes on Dengue ED3
  • Correlation of cycle threshold (Ct) values with host immunity kinetics
  • Longitudinal immune durability data in recovering Bangladeshi cohorts
Domain 03 Patent WO2019031446
Core Domain

Protein Technology & Solubility-Controlling Peptide Tags

Developing and scaling proprietary peptide tag technology to overcome the greatest roadblock in therapeutic biotechnology: protein insolubility and misfolding. Invented jointly with Kuroda Lab at TUAT Tokyo, our patented system enables complex viral antigens and therapeutic enzymes to fold properly without inclusion body formation.

Methodologies:
  • In silico peptide design & rational charge distribution modeling
  • Circular dichroism (CD) & fluorescence spectroscopic refolding
  • Turbidity and dynamic light scattering (DLS) aggregation profiling
Key Deliverables:
  • Commercialization-ready protocol for low-cost antigen manufacturing
  • Library of solubility-enhancing peptide tags for therapeutic proteins
  • Reduced downstream manufacturing costs for tropical diagnostics
Domain 04 Global Alliances
Core Domain

Multidisciplinary Translation, Academic Mentorship & Public Health

Translating fundamental molecular immunology into tangible diagnostic devices and outbreak surveillance data for the Ministry of Health (MOHFW), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and international global health agencies. Fostering bilateral student exchange programs with Japan and the World Bank HEAT project.

Methodologies:
  • Epidemiological serosurveys across Southeastern Bangladesh
  • Hands-on training in FPLC chromatography and Real-Time PCR
  • Bilateral research exchanges with Kuroda Lab (TUAT Tokyo)
Key Deliverables:
  • Advisory briefs for national Dengue and respiratory virus guidelines
  • Alumni placements in doctoral programs abroad (Purdue, UT Austin, Texas A&M)
  • Sustainable regional biorepository for emerging viral pathogens
Laboratory Infrastructure

Explore Our State-of-the-Art Research Facilities

Discover our dedicated inventory of 16+ advanced scientific platforms—including the Beckman CytoFLEX Flow Cytometer, Illumina MiniSeq NGS, Hitachi & Thermo HPLC systems, Haier Refrigerated Centrifuges, Haier Biosafety Suites, ASTEC CO₂ Incubators, and Euromex Fluorescence Microscopy.

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Conduct Your Thesis or Research in Our Lab

We welcome applications from motivated students interested in protein technology, molecular virology, and structural vaccinology.

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