Dr. Jing Xuan Lim

I am a highly motivated early career researcher with a vision to become an emerging leader in T cell immunology. My research focuses on understanding how co-receptors, cytokines, and downstream molecular pathways integrate to control T cell function in health, cancer, and inflammatory disease, with the ultimate goal of refining and advancing immunotherapy. During my PhD studies, I discovered a previously undefined innate lymphoid cell subset (T-bet⁺NK1.1⁻) with anti-tumour function in both murine models and human cancers [Lim, et al, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 120(18), e2216587120, 2023]. More recently, I identified a novel therapeutic strategy using anti-CD30 to selectively target highly suppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs), offering a new approach for overcoming anti-PD-1 resistance in metastatic melanoma [Lim, et al, Nature Immunology, 26, 1074–1086, 2025]. This work was highlighted in a Nature Immunology Research Briefing [Nature Immunology, 26, 1000–1001, 2025] and covered by nine media outlets. Beyond cancer, I investigated how checkpoint receptors shape peripheral Treg function in inflammatory diseases, particularly psoriatic arthritis [McTaggart and Lim, et al, Journal of Biological Chemistry, 301(1), 2025]. Building on this, I am leading a new project exploring the role of tissue-specific Tregs in driving PsA pathology, with potential to uncover novel therapeutic targets.

I actively contribute to the scientific community, presenting my work at national and international conferences. I was invited to speak at the 53rd Annual European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) Meeting and the NUCancer PGR Conference, where I received the Best Oral Presentation Award. I have also presented posters at the Nature Conference, BSI Congress, and the BSI Meeting on the tumour microenvironment. I am an immunologist who is passionate about how we can harness T cell signalling to design innovative therapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases. My ambition is to continue delivering impactful research while developing as a confident, independent, and collaborative scientist.