Research Scientist at Moffitt Cancer Center | United States
Dr. Praveen Kumar Neeli is a passionate and innovative researcher in the fields of cancer biology, immunotherapy, and vaccine development. His research focuses on advancing therapeutic strategies such as CAR-T cell therapies, DNA-based vaccines, and immune checkpoint targeting for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Currently positioned at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, he contributes to high-impact projects that bridge laboratory research with clinical applications, thereby influencing the future of oncology treatments. He has published extensively in top-tier journals, authored review articles, and contributed book chapters that highlight his deep scientific expertise. His patents and collaborations with industry underscore his ability to translate research findings into practical medical solutions. With over 520 citations and a growing h-index, Dr. Neeli’s work demonstrates significant scientific impact. He also holds editorial and reviewer roles in several reputed journals, further establishing his leadership and commitment to the global research community.
Professional Profiles
Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile
Education
Dr. Neeli holds a Ph.D. in Applied Biology with a specialization in cancer biology from the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, where he explored the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer progression by studying metadherin splice variants. His doctoral research laid the foundation for his later interest in cancer therapeutics. Prior to his Ph.D., he completed a Master’s degree in Genetics and a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry from Osmania University, which gave him strong grounding in biological sciences and laboratory practices. To complement his scientific expertise, he also pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Patent Law from NALSAR University, which provides him a valuable perspective on intellectual property rights and translational research. This combination of academic credentials showcases both depth and breadth, reflecting a balance between advanced molecular biology and broader interdisciplinary skills, enabling him to contribute effectively to cutting-edge research and innovation in cancer biology and immunotherapy.
Experience
Dr. Neeli has built extensive research experience through progressive roles in prestigious institutions across India and the United States. At UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, he works as a postdoctoral fellow developing CAR-T therapies to address both cancer and autoimmune diseases, a project with transformative clinical potential. Prior to this, at Baylor College of Medicine, he was involved in designing DNA-based vaccines targeting cancers and infectious diseases, further strengthening his expertise in immunology and molecular therapeutics. Earlier in his career, he contributed to projects at CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology and Osmania University, focusing on molecular biology techniques such as cloning, expression, and purification of proteins. These experiences have enabled him to develop mastery in molecular biology, cell biology, immunological assays, and translational cancer research. Additionally, his editorial and reviewer roles, mentorship of students, and participation in international conferences demonstrate both his leadership and active engagement in the research community.
Research Interest
Dr. Neeli’s primary research interests lie in the development of innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines that can translate into effective clinical solutions. His current focus is on CAR-T cell therapies, aiming to engineer immune cells to specifically target cancer and autoimmune disease mechanisms. He is equally passionate about DNA-based vaccines and antibody engineering, particularly for their potential to treat hematological malignancies, breast cancer, and solid tumors. His work bridges molecular biology, immunology, and translational medicine, reflecting a comprehensive approach to therapeutic innovation. Additionally, he is interested in understanding tumor microenvironments, immune modulation, and mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer progression. The intersection of basic science and clinical application excites him, as it allows for the creation of therapies that directly benefit patients. He is also keen on exploring collaborative, multidisciplinary projects that integrate molecular biology with bioinformatics and clinical oncology to address unmet medical needs in cancer treatment.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Dr. Neeli has been recognized with numerous awards and fellowships that highlight his academic and research excellence. He was awarded the ICMR Doctoral Research Fellowship, a highly competitive fellowship in India, which supported his Ph.D. work on breast cancer biology. His outstanding performance in national-level examinations such as GATE, CSIR-NET, and AP-SET further reflect his strong academic foundation and scientific aptitude. He has also actively participated in prestigious conferences including the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, International Chemical Biology Society (ICBS), and other global research forums, showcasing his work to international audiences. His recognition extends beyond research fellowships to patents and technology development, with compounds licensed to pharmaceutical industries, which demonstrates the translational value of his contributions. These awards and achievements reflect not only his scientific excellence but also his commitment to bridging fundamental research with clinical and industrial applications.
Research Skills
Dr. Neeli possesses a diverse and advanced set of research skills spanning molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, and translational oncology. He is highly skilled in techniques such as cloning, gene expression, protein purification, site-directed mutagenesis, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. His expertise extends to advanced immunological methods, including ELISA, ELISPOT, flow cytometry, immune cell sorting, co-culture assays, and CAR-T cell engineering. He has significant experience in mammalian cell culture, confocal microscopy, and live imaging, as well as handling small animal models for preclinical studies. His work also involves bioinformatics tools for scientific analysis and visualization, combined with strong skills in scientific writing and communication. Additionally, his patents and translational projects highlight his capacity to move from bench research to industry-level applications. These skills collectively position him as a versatile and impactful researcher, capable of addressing complex biomedical challenges and contributing meaningfully to the advancement of cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Metformin regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and senescence through AMPK mediated H3K79 methylation: Relevance in age-associated vascular dysfunction
Authors: S. Karnewar, P.K. Neeli, D. Panuganti, S. Kotagiri, S. Mallappa, N. Jain, et al.
Year: 2018
Citation: 147
Title: The next-generation DNA vaccine platforms and delivery systems: advances, challenges and prospects
Authors: B. Lu, J.M. Lim, B. Yu, S. Song, P. Neeli, N. Sobhani, P.K., S.R. Bonam, et al.
Year: 2024
Citation: 95
Title: Therapeutic cancer vaccines: From biological mechanisms and engineering to ongoing clinical trials
Authors: N. Sobhani, B. Scaggiante, R. Morris, D. Chai, M. Catalano, D.R. Tardiel-Cyril, P. Neeli, et al.
Year: 2022
Citation: 77
Title: AR-V7 in metastatic prostate cancer: a strategy beyond redemption
Authors: N. Sobhani, P.K. Neeli, A. D’Angelo, M. Pittacolo, M. Sirico, I.C. Galli, et al.
Year: 2021
Citation: 64
Title: AMPK inhibits MTDH expression via GSK 3β and SIRT 1 activation: potential role in triple negative breast cancer cell proliferation
Authors: P.N. Gollavilli, A.K. Kanugula, R. Koyyada, S. Karnewar, P.K. Neeli, et al.
Year: 2015
Citation: 59
Title: A novel metadherinΔ7 splice variant enhances triple negative breast cancer aggressiveness by modulating mitochondrial function via NFĸB-SIRT3 axis
Authors: P.K. Neeli, P.N. Gollavilli, S. Mallappa, S.G. Hari, S. Kotamraju
Year: 2020
Citation: 41
Title: Mitochondria-targeted esculetin mitigates atherosclerosis in the setting of aging via the modulation of SIRT1-mediated vascular cell senescence and mitochondrial function
Authors: S. Karnewar, S. Pulipaka, S. Katta, D. Panuganti, P.K. Neeli, R. Thennati, et al.
Year: 2022
Citation: 37
Title: Doxorubicin induces prostate cancer drug resistance by upregulation of ABCG4 through GSH depletion and CREB activation: Relevance of statins in chemosensitization
Authors: S. Mallappa, P.K. Neeli, S. Karnewar, S. Kotamraju
Year: 2019
Citation: 35
Title: Expanding anti-CD38 immunotherapy for lymphoid malignancies
Authors: M.Z.Y.L., X. Wang, X. Yu, W. Li, P. Neeli, M. Liu, L. Li
Year: 2022
Citation: 31
Title: p53 antibodies as a diagnostic marker for cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: N. Sobhani, G. Roviello, A. D’Angelo, R. Roudi, P.K. Neeli, D. Generali
Year: 2021
Citation: 22
Title: DOT1L regulates MTDH mediated angiogenesis in triple-negative breast cancer: Intermediacy of NF-κB-HIF1α axis
Authors: P.K. Neeli, S. Sahoo, S. Karnewar, G. Singuru, S. Pulipaka, S. Annamaneni, et al.
Year: 2022
Citation: 16
Title: AI-powered discovery of a novel p53-Y220C reactivator
Authors: Y. Li, S. Zhou, D. Chai, X. Wang, P. Neeli, X. Yu, A. Davtyan, K. Young
Year: 2023
Citation: 11
Conclusion
Dr. Praveen Kumar Neeli is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His cutting-edge research in CAR-T therapies, DNA vaccines, and cancer biology demonstrates both scientific depth and translational impact. With multiple high-impact publications, patents, international collaborations, and community contributions, he stands out as a researcher who not only advances knowledge but also contributes meaningfully to clinical applications and society. His growing leadership roles, strong academic foundation, and ongoing projects position him as a promising future leader in oncology and immunotherapy research.
