Son Nguyen

I am an immunologist who is broadly interested in the molecular network that regulates immune cells’ functions during health and diseases. Prior to Bowdoin, I obtained my Ph.D. In Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Pennsylvania where I investigated the role of an immune cell type known as CD8+ T cells or killer T cells in HIV-1 infection, followed by a postdoctoral training stint in single-cell genomic and system immunology at MIT.

At Bowdoin, I teach classes in the areas of biochemistry, cell biology, and immunology. Via teaching, I strive to instill in students an appreciation for the intricacies of biology and the versatility of the scientific method as well as help them build a critical thinking framework for lifelong learning.

Our lab is an interdisciplinary group of undergraduate students across various science majors. Our research primarily focuses on an immunological activity known as cell-mediated killing or cytolysis This activity is largely executed by CD8+ T cells and has been implied in a wide range of diseases and conditions, from viral infections to cancers and autoimmunity. Using an integrative approach combining cutting-edge single-cell genomic profiling, computational analysis, and in vitro perturbation and experimentation, we aim to (Q1) determine the transcriptional network associated with CD8+ T cell-mediated killing; (Q2) test whether this immunological activity can be altered either genetically or pharmacologically; and (Q3) investigate the impact of cell-cell interaction on CD8+ T cell-mediated killing. Together, insights gained from addressing these questions can better our understanding of the immune system and potentially identify targets for vaccine and therapeutic development.

The most up-to-date list of publications can be found here.