Kalyani Pyaram, Ph.D.

Professional Background

Dr. Kalyani Pyaram is an Assistant professor in the Department of Cancer biology at KUMC. Dr. Pyaram's research expertise is in cellular immunology and immunometabolism. Her lab is interested in understanding the metabolic mechanisms governing the immune fate of CD4 (T helper) and CD8 (T killer) T-cells and to identify the factors or pathways that can manipulate the immune cell metabolism with the aim of targeting them for treating T-cell mediated immunopathogies including cancer. Dysregulation of T-cells is a contributing factor in many inflammatory autoimmune diseases in humans, like multiple sclerosis, colitis and rheumatoid arthritis as well as in susceptibility to infections and cancers.

• BS, Microbiology, Osmania University, India
• MS, Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, India
• PhD, Biotechnology, National Centre For Cell Science, Pune University, India
• Post Doctoral Fellowship, Immunology, University of Michigan , United States

Research

Overview

T-cells are vital immune cells which play a key role in fighting infections and cancer. Our research focuses on understanding the metabolic mechanisms
governing the T cell mediated immune responses. We are looking into the role of stress-responsive antioxidant system in T cell development and effector
functions. We use a multidisciplinary approach involving immunologic, biochemical and metabolic assays to identify and decipher the role of different
signaling pathways, nutrients and other factors in deciding the fate of T cells and their ability to elicit an immune response against pathogens and tumors.