Maninder Sandey, BVSc, MVSc, PhD, DACVP

Education

PhD, Auburn University, Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, 2012
MVSc, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar, India, Animal Biotechnology, 2005
DVM, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, India, 2004

Biography

Dr. Sandey is a board-certified veterinary anatomic pathologist with expertise in molecular biology, comparative oncology, and immunopathology. He earned his DVM from the University of Agricultural Sciences, India, followed by an MVSc in Animal Biotechnology from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI). He completed his Ph.D. in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences from Auburn University and became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) in 2016. His research focuses on improving cancer immunotherapy by combining immune checkpoint modulation with targeted therapies to enhance anti-tumor immune responses.

Research Interests

Dr. Sandey’s lab is dedicated to developing next-generation cancer immunotherapies using nanobody-based approaches for both veterinary and human oncology. We integrate molecular biology, immunopathology, and comparative oncology to develop and refine immune-modulating therapeutics using a translational One Health approach. By leveraging naturally occurring cancers in dogs as a model for human cancer, we aim to advance treatment strategies that benefit both species.

Research Focus:

• Modulation of Immune Checkpoints: Develop nanobody-based immune checkpoint inhibitors to restore and enhance anti-tumor immune responses.
• Integration of Immune Checkpoint Blockade with TNFRSF Co-Stimulation: Combine TNFRSF agonism with immune checkpoint blockade using our bispecific fusion protein platform to enhance T-cell activation and overcome resistance in immunologically cold tumors.
• Translational Cancer Research: Leverage the molecular and immunological similarities between canine and human cancers to develop broadly applicable immunotherapies.

Publications and Links

Full Bibiliography: Dr. Sandey