Swethakumar Basavarajaiah
About
Swethakumar BasavarajaiahPostdoctoral Research Associate
Email: swethab1@umbc.edu
Phone No: 4436808428
Education
· Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Mysore, India
· Master’s in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Mysore, India
I joined Dr. Padmanabhan's Lab in 2024, bringing extensive experience in immunology and inflammation research. Prior to this, I completed my postdoctoral training at the University of Toronto, Canada, where I advanced my expertise in immunological mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. During my first postdoctoral appointment, I investigated the anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive potential of desialylated platelets and Kupffer cells in antibody generation, T-regulatory cell dynamics, and cytokine profiles in autoimmune disease models.
I earned my Ph.D. from the University of Mysore, India, where my research focused on elucidating the roles of neutrophils, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and DNase in snake venom-induced toxicities.
With a deep passion for immunology, I am currently focused on understanding the interactions between immune cells and cancer cells in the context of cancer progression. My ongoing work aims to identify novel therapeutic targets that can drive the development of innovative cancer treatments.
Research interests
I, Dr. Swethakumar B, researcher from University of Mysore, Department of Biochemistry, Manasagangotri, Mysuru, Karnataka, India. I did my Ph.D. in Biochemistry on the topic entitled “Understanding the cellular mechanism of snake venom induced NETosis” under the supervision of Prof K Kemparaju. Since I have experience in Immunology, I am excited and passionate to build my career in the field of Immunology. I took up research with a passion for science and I am looking for mentors like you to guide me in the direction to develop myself as an independent researcher. In the recent past our group for the first time addressed the NETs inducing property of both Echis carinatus and Naja naja venoms. In addition, the role of NETs and deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity in Echis carinatus venom induced sustained tissue necrosis and acute lethal toxicity was addressed, this work has been published in Nature communication journal in 2016. Further, I took up this study to dissect the mechanism that how these two venoms induce NETosis. During my Ph.D. work, I studied the mechanism and signaling pathways used by Echis carinatus and Naja naja venoms to induce NETosis. I found that Echis carinatus venom induces suicidal NETosis is by activating NOX and PAD-4 enzyme in a ROS dependent manner via PKCERKJNK signaling, while Naja naja venom does it by activating PAD-4 enzyme, but independent of ROS requirement and as well as PKCERKJNK activation. This study for the first time demonstrates the distinct action of venoms on the process of NETosis and also provides insights for better management of snakebite pathophysiology. In another study, for the first time I explored the efficient inhibition of enzymatic, pharmacological and lethal properties of Echis carinatus venom by the naked DNA and demonstrates the possible therapeutic application of it during snakebite management. This study identifies naked DNA as an effective defense weapon that has got the therapeutic potential to inhibit the detrimental effects of Echis carinatus bite. After my PhD, I worked on platelet-mediated immune suppression. I studied the role of kupffer cells using kupffer cell-deficient mice and monitored the level of antibody generation, T-regulatory cells, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.Education
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Ph D, Biochemistry
— University of Mysore (2020) Understanding the cellular mechanism of snake venom induced NETosis