Harvard Catalyst Profiles

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in various pathologies, including autoimmune/rheumatologic conditions, chronic inflammatory disorders like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and atherosclerosis, and contributes to challenges associated with solid organ transplant rejection and graft-versus-host disease. Current diagnostic methods for these conditions rely on clinical evaluation, biopsy, and/or standard anatomic imaging, each presenting unique challenges. Biopsy, for instance, may face variable sensitivity, particularly when dealing with heterogeneous pathology within the organ of interest. Meanwhile, MRI and CT imaging focus solely on capturing anatomic correlates of inflammation, lacking the ability to provide functional insights into the underlying disease. To address this gap, we are developing novel PET tracers that enable the reliable and noninvasive detection of immune responses across various inflammatory conditions with high sensitivity. A breakthrough manuscript from our lab is currently undergoing peer review for publication. Skills required: We encourage students with basic biology lab skills to apply. No prior research experience is necessary. Selected students will have the opportunity to receive training in lab techniques under the guidance of senior scientists. Learning outcomes: research skills such as study design, data analysis methods, presentations, and scientific writing, as well as lab skillsets such as cell culture, protein engineering, protein expression and purification, ELISA analysis, PET-CT imaging, running SDS-PAGE, mass-spectrometry, and western blot analyses, protein labeling, and working with instruments such as FPLC, LC-MS, microscopy and flow cytometry. Length of the project: 6-12 months (flexible). Mentoring: senior graduate students and postdocs in the lab will be mentoring students. The PI will have regular weekly meetings with students as well. Student stipend: it’s a paid position, which is provided by Dana-Farber and the HMS Scholarly Engagement office (for HMS MD students).

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, yet a significant proportion of patients still do not respond effectively. Our goal is to develop innovative therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic tools that enable precise detection, characterization, treatment, and prevention of cancer. Recent Work: i) Our lab recently developed a breakthrough PET imaging approach to detect inflammation (Nature, 2025, in press). ii) We have developed a novel approach that selectively enhances the activity and persistence of CAR-T cells post-infusion, promoting the formation of long-lasting memory T-cells. This addresses a critical challenge in clinical settings, and we are planning to initiate a Phase I study in patients soon. (Nature Biotechnology, July 2024, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-024-02339-4). iii) Our lab has pioneered a new PET imaging method to noninvasively detect CAR-T cells (Science Advances, September 2024, https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn3816). These advancements have opened several exciting new directions for our lab, which we aim to explore in the coming years: a) Can we develop imaging probes to reliably detect heart inflammatory conditions, such as myocarditis and cardiac sarcoidosis? b) Can we establish reliable methods for the early detection of difficult-to-diagnose cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, or conditions like endometriosis? c) Can we develop novel immunotherapeutics to prevent T-cell exhaustion and address the challenges of solid tumors? d) Can we create precision immunotherapeutics for autoimmune diseases that specifically target and deplete pathogenic B or T cells? It is an especially exciting time in the lab, as we have established several major research directions. We can accommodate a wide range of interests, spanning from basic to translational research. Learning outcomes: Serve as lead author or co-author on high-impact publications. Gain expertise in study design, data analysis methods, presentations, and scientific writing. Attend seminars and conferences at Dana-Farber/Harvard. Acquire hands-on experience in PET probe development, various T-cell characterization assays, protein engineering, protein expression and purification, and ELISA analysis. Develop skills in generating stable cell lines, cell culture, western blot analyses, protein labeling, and working with instruments such as FPLC, microscopy, and flow cytometry. Length of the project: flexible. Mentoring: Senior graduate students and postdocs in the lab will provide mentorship to students. The PI will hold regular weekly meetings with students to offer guidance and support. Application information: If you are interested, please contact Dr. Rashidian at mohammad_rashidian@dfci.harvard.edu to learn more about the project