#061 Dr. Waliul Khan’s Perspective on Gut, Immunology, and Inflammation Research

Dr. Waliul Khan is currently a Professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at McMaster University, Canada, and works as a Clinical Scientist at Hamilton Health Sciences. He is also affiliated as a Professor with St. Joseph’s Healthcare. His main focus in both research and clinical work includes immunology, microbiology, inflammation, and host defense.

Educationally, he completed his SSC from University Laboratory School and HSC from Dhaka College. After obtaining his MBBS from Dhaka Medical College, he earned a PhD from Akita University, Japan, on a Japanese government scholarship. He completed his first postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Manchester, UK, then moved to Canada for a second fellowship at McMaster University. He is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath), UK.

The main themes of his current research program emphasize serotonin signaling in gut inflammation and obesity, host-parasite-microbiota interactions, and the use of fecal calprotectin.

💬 Q&A Section:

Question: Please tell us a little about yourself.
Answer: I am currently a Professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at McMaster University and a Clinical Scientist (Immunology) at Hamilton Health Sciences. Additionally, I am involved in research, clinical services, and teaching. My current research focus is on Immunology, Microbiology, Inflammation, and Host Defense. My clinical services include consultation and supervision in the Clinical Immunology Laboratory. I am also engaged in teaching health sciences students, medical residents, and clinical fellows at McMaster University.

Question: Where did you study, and where did you earn your PhD?
Answer: I completed my SSC at University Laboratory School and HSC at Dhaka College. I obtained my MBBS from Dhaka Medical College. I completed my PhD at Akita University in Japan and did my first postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Manchester in the UK. After that, I did my second fellowship at McMaster University in Canada. I am also a Fellow (FRCPath) of the Royal College of Pathologists, UK.

Question: What kind of research have you done?
Answer: As a clinical scientist, my responsibilities include the introduction, validation, implementation, quality control oversight, interpretation, and research related to clinical diagnostic tests in clinical immunology. I am involved in both basic and diagnostic test-related research.

Question: What kind of research are you currently conducting at McMaster University?
Answer: My research has three main themes:

1) Serotonin signaling in gut inflammation and obesity: Understanding the role of gut serotonin in IBD, diabetes, and obesity and developing new therapeutic strategies.

2) Gut mucin production and host-parasite-microbiota interaction: Investigating how parasites and microbiota affect gut mucin production.

3) Fecal calprotectin: Using this marker to distinguish IBD from IBS and assist in disease management.

Question: What is Clinical Pathology?
Answer: Clinical pathology is an integration of hematology, genetics, microbiology, diagnostic chemistry, immunology, toxicology, and histocompatibility. Using blood, cerebrospinal fluid, stool, and bone marrow, clinical pathologists help diagnose diseases and assist in treatment.

Question: What do you want to work on in the future?
Answer: My goal is to conduct innovative research on immunology, microbiology, and inflammation in chronic diseases like IBD, diabetes, and obesity, and to discover new therapeutic approaches. Additionally, I aim to engage in collaborative research to understand host-parasite interactions in developing countries like Bangladesh.

Question: What advice would you give to young students?
Answer: It is important to have enthusiasm, motivation, and dedication in research. Stay focused, work sincerely, and enjoy the research process.

Question: Are there opportunities to enroll at McMaster University?
Answer: Yes, those interested in pursuing MSc or PhD can find information at https://fhs.mcmaster.ca/grad/. Upon admission, you can contact a supervisor and receive financial support.

Dr. Waliul Khan’s research provides new perspectives on immunology, microbiology, and gut inflammation. The Biggani.org team appreciates his dedication and research direction. May his work continue to inspire young scientists in Bangladesh—and may his research see continued success in the future.

Dr. Waliul Khan on Gut Health, Immunology, and Inflammation Research

Dr. Waliul Khan is currently a Professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at McMaster University, Canada, and a Clinical Scientist (Immunology) at Hamilton Health Sciences. He also serves as a Professor at St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton. His work spans research, clinical service, and teaching, focusing on immunology, microbiology, inflammation, and host defense.

Dr. Khan completed his SSC from University Laboratory School and HSC from Dhaka College. He earned his MBBS from Dhaka Medical College and later obtained a PhD from Akita University, Japan, under a Japanese government scholarship. He completed his first postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Manchester, UK, and a second fellowship at McMaster University, Canada. He is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath), UK.

His current research focuses on three main areas: gut serotonin signaling in inflammation and obesity, host-parasite-microbiota interactions in the gut, and the clinical application of fecal calprotectin in patient care.

💬 Q&A Section:

Question: Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Answer: I am currently a Professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at McMaster University and a Clinical Scientist (Immunology) at Hamilton Health Sciences. I am involved in research, clinical services, and teaching. My research focuses on immunology, microbiology, inflammation, and host defense. In clinical service, I provide consultation and oversight in clinical immunology laboratories. I also teach medical students, residents, and clinical fellows at McMaster University.

Question: Where did you study, and where did you earn your PhD?
Answer: I completed my SSC from University Laboratory School and HSC from Dhaka College. I earned my MBBS from Dhaka Medical College. I then completed my PhD at Akita University, Japan, supported by a Japanese government scholarship. I conducted my first postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Manchester, UK, and my second at McMaster University, Canada. I am also a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath), UK.

Question: What kind of research have you conducted?
Answer: As a clinical scientist, my responsibilities include introducing, validating, and implementing clinical diagnostic tests in immunology, supervising quality control, interpreting results, and conducting research. I am involved in both basic and diagnostic research.

Question: What research are you currently conducting at McMaster University?
Answer: My current research has three main thematic areas:

1. Gut Inflammation and Obesity through Serotonin Signaling: Investigating the role of gut-derived serotonin in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, and obesity, and developing new therapeutic strategies.
2. Gut Mucin Production and Host-Parasite-Microbiota Interactions: Studying the interactions between gut parasites and resident microbiota and their effects on goblet cell mucin production for host defense.
3. Fecal Calprotectin in Patient Care: Evaluating fecal calprotectin as a non-invasive marker to differentiate IBD from IBS and improve patient management.

Question: What is Clinical Pathology?
Answer: Clinical pathology integrates hematology, genetics, microbiology, diagnostic chemistry, immunology, toxicology, and histocompatibility. Using blood, cerebrospinal fluid, stool, and bone marrow samples, clinical pathologists assist physicians in diagnosing diseases and determining their severity.

Question: What are your future research plans?
Answer: My primary goal is to conduct high-impact, innovative research on immunology, microbiology, and inflammation in chronic diseases such as IBD, diabetes, and obesity. I aim to identify new therapeutic approaches. I am also interested in collaborative research with developing countries, such as Bangladesh, to understand host-parasite interactions and improve strategies against enteric infections.

Question: Any advice for young students who want to pursue science?
Answer: Maintain enthusiasm, motivation, and dedication for research. Focus sincerely on your work and enjoy the research process.

Question: Are there opportunities for young researchers at McMaster University?
Answer: Yes. Interested individuals can visit https://fhs.mcmaster.ca/grad/ to check eligibility. Qualified candidates can apply, and if accepted, they will find a supervisor. MSc and PhD students usually receive some financial support from their supervisor or university.

Dr. Waliul Khan’s research provides new insights into immunology, microbiology, and gut inflammation, contributing to better understanding and treatment of chronic diseases. The Biggani.org team appreciates his dedication and the direction of his work. May his research continue to inspire young Bangladeshi scientists and achieve further success in the future.