Jian Xena Huang
M.D./Ph.D. Student
Xena Huang is a graduate student in the South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD Program) studying cancer immunology under the mentorship of Manjeet Rao, PhD. On a basic science level, her research focuses on elucidating the mechanism by which FOXM1 regulates the tumor microenvironment and anti-tumor immune response in various cancer models, including triple negative breast cancer. On the translational front, Xena is developing anti-cancer vaccines and identifying small molecule inhibitors to potentiate immunotherapy. Her long-term goal is to become an independent physician-scientist with special interest in oncology and gastroenterology.
About Me
I was born and raised in Los Angeles and completed my undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego, where I majored in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. My early research experiences sparked a passion for harnessing the immune system to halt cancer progression and enhance existing treatment strategies. I’m continually motivated by the opportunity to bridge scientific discovery with clinical impact. Outside of the lab and clinic, I enjoy photographing sunsets, exploring new restaurants, and staying active through strength training and outdoor adventures.
Hobbies/Interests
Outside of academic life, I enjoy creating art, hosting dinners to bring people together, participating in outdoor sports, and traveling to explore new cultures and environments. These activities allow me to stay creative, active, and connected to community.
Research Topic
Cancer Immunology
Why I chose MD/PhD
I chose to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. because I’m driven by the desire to bridge scientific discovery with patient care. I find purpose in asking bold, mechanistic questions in the lab and translating those insights into real-world impact for patients facing complex diseases like cancer. This dual-degree path empowers me to approach medicine with a research-informed mindset and to develop therapies grounded in both scientific rigor and clinical relevance.
Why I chose MD/PhD at UT Health San Antonio
I chose UT Health San Antonio for its strong emphasis on cancer biology, immunology, and translational research as well as its exceptional M.D./Ph.D. mentorship. The collaborative environment, access to physician-scientist mentors, and robust clinical and research infrastructure provide an ideal setting to pursue my interests in tumor immunology and therapeutic development. I was especially drawn to the opportunity to engage in research that can directly impact patient care and improve outcomes for individuals facing cancer.
Education
B.S., Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, 2020
Publications
Gu, L., Zhu, Y., Lee, M., Nguyen, A., Ryujin, N. T., Huang, J. Y., et al. (2023). Angiotensin II receptor inhibition ameliorates liver fibrosis and enhances hepatocellular carcinoma infiltration by effector T cells. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 120(19) e2300706120. https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2300706120
Khan, M. T. A., Patnaik, R., Huang, J. Y., Campi, H. D., Montorfano, L., De Stefano, F., Rosenthal, R. J., & Wexner, S. D. (2022). Leukopenia is an independent risk factor for early postoperative complications following incision and drainage of anorectal abscess. Colorectal disease : the official journal of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, 10.1111/codi.16447. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/codi.16447
Zhou, Y., Bastian, I. N., Long, M. D., Dow, M., Li, W., Liu, T., Ngu, R. K., Antonucci, L., Huang, J. Y., Phung, Q. T., Zhao, X. H., Banerjee, S., Lin, X. J., Wang, H., Dang, B., Choi, S., Karin, D., Su, H., Ellisman, M. H., Jamieson, C., … Shalapour, S. (2021). Activation of NF-κB and p300/CBP potentiates cancer chemoimmunotherapy through induction of MHC-I antigen presentation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 118(8), e2025840118. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2025840118
Timilsina, S., Huang, J.Y., Abdelfattah, N. et al. Epigenetic silencing of DNA sensing pathway by FOXM1 blocks stress ligand-dependent antitumor immunity and immune memory. Nat Commun 16, 3967 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-59186-3