Sunil K. Chauhan, DVM, PhD, Promoted to Professor of Ophthalmology at HMS
Sunil Chauhan, DVM, PhD, has spent his career at the intersection of ocular immunology, regenerative medicine, and translational research—work that has helped deepen our understanding of some of the most challenging diseases of the eye and opened new avenues for treatment.
Since joining the department in 2010, Dr. Chauhan has established an internationally recognized research program focused on ocular surface inflammation, tissue repair, and stem cell-based therapies. His work on the immune mechanisms underlying dry eye disease, transplant rejection, corneal injury and ocular inflammation has led to discoveries with potential implications well beyond the laboratory.
Among his most significant contributions was the first demonstration of the role of pathogenic Th17 cells in dry eye disease. His research showed that targeting the Th17/IL-17 pathway could reduce disease progression, findings that ultimately led to intellectual property now licensed for clinical development. His laboratory has similarly advanced our understanding of how mesenchymal stem cells promote corneal tissue repair, demonstrating that their therapeutic effects are mediated through the secretion of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). These discoveries have resulted in patented technologies that are now being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) and corneal scarring. His research has continued to uncover new possibilities in ocular immunology and regenerative medicine, including previously unrecognized roles for mast cells in non-allergic ocular inflammation and neovascularization. He has also led pioneering efforts to develop induced pluripotent stem cells for allogeneic stem cell-based therapies, with the long-term goal of creating universally immunocompatible cells that could expand the possibilities for regenerative medicine.
An accomplished scholar, Dr. Chauhan has authored more than 120 peer-reviewed publications and is an inventor on seven patent applications, several of which have been licensed to biotechnology companies for clinical translation. His expertise is widely recognized through prominent leadership roles in academic publishing, service on numerous editorial boards, and distinguished national and international scientific review panels, including National Institutes of Health (NIH) study sections and Department of Defense review panels.
Dr. Chauhan is equally dedicated to education and mentorship. He has trained more than 30 fellows, students, and research trainees, many of whom have gone on to academic, clinical, and industry careers. As a faculty member in the NIH-sponsored Molecular Bases of Eye Disease training program and a mentor to junior investigators, he has played a vital role in cultivating the next generation of vision scientists. His promotion reflects the profound impact of his research, leadership, and mentorship on the department and the field of ophthalmology.