Dr. M. Rasool, a distinguished professor of Immunology is serving as a Director- Purchase at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, India. He previously held the position of Director of Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy, VIT, Vellore from Oct 2020- Jan 2025.  His research focuses on unravelling the molecular pathogenesis of autoimmune mediated arthrodial disorder - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) while integrating potent novel therapeutics into RA disease management. He has authored/co-authored 112 research articles in reputed International Journals (Google Scholar h-index: 44; i10 index: 91; total number of citations: 5230, Cumulative Impact Factor-358). Till date, he has completed seven research projects worth above 2.5 crores Indian rupees funded by National agencies such as Indian Council of Medical Research -ICMR, Ministry of AYUSH, Department of Science and Technology- DST and Department of Biotechnology – DBT and currently having three ongoing projects from Ministry of AYUSH.  He has received three patents (1 granted + 2 published; (2 International (South Korea) and 1 National) to date towards inflammatory disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

 

Areas of Research Expertise: Dr. Rasool lab investigates the molecular mechanistic aspects of RA disease pathogenesis focusing on immune cells and cell signaling in depth. Also, his team investigates how immunomodulatory molecules and inflammation influence each other in the development and progression of RA. His recent works have demonstrated the pathological mechanism of Interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-21, the potent pro-inflammatory cytokines, in inflammation and bone degradation process of RA. Also, his team found that restrained activation of inflammatory signaling pathways (NF-kB, JAK-STAT and PI3K-AKT) is critical for immunosuppression and maintenance of bone homeostasis in RA. In this perspective, his studies revealed the efficacy of cyanidin, flavonoid and an effective small molecule drug, that inhibits the interaction of IL-17A to its receptor IL-17RA and thus limits the progression of RA. His research works also involves liposomal drug formulations for selective delivery to target cells that limits toxicity and improves anti-arthritic potency of drugs. His lab has also achieved more expertise towards scientific validations and reinforcements to the traditional affirmations of herbal formulations (Ashwagandha, Triphala, and Trikatu), selected natural compounds (piperine, Withaferin-A, Berberine, and p-Coumaric acid) and Unani medicines (Majoon Ushba and Majoon Chobchini) in limiting the pathological aspects of RA. Dr. Rasool team works on Unani medicines have set a benchmark within the scientific community and more specifically among AYUSH scientists through his publications on core journals like “Immunologic Research” and “Cytokine”. In 2020, Dr. Rasool was graciously awarded with “Best Research Paper Award” title from Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India by Honorable Union Defense Minister of India, Shri. Rajnath Singh, for his significant contribution to Drug Research in Unani Medicine. He has delivered invited talks at various National and International forums including South Korea, Australia, Turkey, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. To his credit, he is also instated as a Visiting Faculty at the Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey. Recently, Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology awarded Best oral presentation award and Travel award for his invited talk in International Conference of Chinese Rheumatologist 2019 at Hong Kong. He received Travel award and Best poster presentation award from Korean Society of Rheumatology for his presentation in 39th Korean College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting 2019 at Seoul, South Korea. Further to his accolades, he’s been conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award by the Society of Chemical and Synthetic Biology, India.  He has been recognized among the World Top 2% scientist by Stanford University consecutively in the years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

 

 

To date, he has mentored 17 research scholars who have successfully completed their doctoral studies and are placed in good positions abroad and in the home country. He is currently heading a research team who are working on topics related to alternative therapeutic options in inflammatory disorders. At par of being an active researcher, he is also an active member in Indian Immunology Society, Society of Inflammation Research and reviewer for several international reputed journals.