John Napoleon, PhD
Assistant Professor
Dr. John Napoleon is assistant professor of biomedical sciences and a research scientist in the Department of Translational Science and Medicine at the College of Community Health Sciences. His research interests include targeted immuno-oncology, drug delivery, bispecific immune cell engagers and immune cell reprogramming in cancer and inflammatory diseases. His contributions to cancer research include the discovery of a selective MAP3K1 kinase inhibitor for pancreatic cancer treatment, the selective rejuvenation of exhausted chimeric antigen receptor T-cells in solid tumors, and the targeted polarization of tumor-associated macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells within the tumor microenvironment. Napoleon has authored 20 articles published in international peer-reviewed journals and has filed nine patents (three issued, six pending). He received his doctorate in bio-organic and medicinal chemistry from the Institute of Technology Madras in India. Napoleon completed a postdoctoral study in cancer immunotherapy and targeted immune modulation at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Prior to joining CCHS, he worked as an associate research scientist at Purdue University.