Moutih Rafei | Full Professor
University of Montreal

Dr. Rafei is an immunologist by training focused on the development of therapies within the immuno-oncology space. Throughout the past decade, he accumulated profound knowledge and insight in the fields of T-cell development, stem cell biology, cancer immunotherapy and autoimmune diseases. While completing his PhD in Experimental Medicine at McGill University, Dr. Rafei worked on various projects including the development of novel fusokines while being exposed to the biology of mesenchymal stromal cells and ways to exploit these cells as cellular therapeutics for several indications. Following his PhD, Dr. Rafei completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Molecular Biology at Université de Montréal, where he investigated the impact of cytokines on intrathymic T-cell development. His studies lead to the seminal discovery of a new role for interleukin-21 in supporting de novo T-cell development. Starting on this strong basis, he established in 2013 his laboratory at Université de Montréal where he initially focused on ways to stimulate thymopoiesis following stem cel transplantation prior to investigating novel means of triggering antigen presentation for the development of cell-based vaccines. So far, he is considered as a leader in the development of immune-related therapies for catastrophic illnesses with many uncovered seminal discoveries, some of which are currently being tested in clinical trials. Besides his extensive role as a CSO and board member of various Biotech companies, Dr Rafei received over 25 awards and recognitions and his research has resulted in over 155 abstracts, 60 high impact peer-reviewed publications, 5 reviews, 2 book chapters, 1 monograph, and 7 patents.