Dr. Kawaljit Kaur serves as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of ImmuneLink, LLC, a San Diego–based biotechnology consulting and scientific advisory firm. With more than a decade of expertise in cancer immunology, innate immunity, and translational medicine, she specializes in developing innovative immune-based therapeutics for cancer, autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and age-related conditions. Dr. Kaur is dedicated to advancing scientific innovation, building multidisciplinary teams, and translating breakthrough discoveries into clinical and commercial success.

Dr. Kaur earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, India, followed by an M.S. in Oral Biology and Oral Medicine and a Ph.D. in Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she trained under the mentorship of Dr. Anahid Jewett. Dr. Kaur has authored more than 120 peer-reviewed publications and 18 book chapters and serves on the editorial boards of more than 30 international scientific journals.

Her doctoral research focused on restoring anti-tumor immunity by demonstrating functional deficiencies in cancer patient immune cells, particularly natural killer (NK) cells, and developing strategies to enhance NK cell therapeutic potential. Over five years of research, Dr. Kaur and her team developed innovative NK cell expansion platforms, including osteoclast- and probiotic-based technologies, to generate functionally enhanced “supercharged” NK (sNK) cells with improved expansion, cytotoxicity, cytokine production, persistence, and anti-tumor activity.

sNK cells demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity across 11 cancer types in vitro and against patient-derived tumors representing seven cancer indications ex vivo. Using humanized BLT mouse models, her studies further established that sNK cells could inhibit tumor growth, enhance immune infiltration, restore endogenous immune responses, increase CD8⁺ T-cell activity, and demonstrate favorable safety and persistence profiles. Therapeutic efficacy was observed both as a standalone approach and in combination with chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and microbiome-based interventions.

Beyond oncology, Dr. Kaur has contributed to the development of immunological diagnostic and therapeutic platforms for neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS and Alzheimer’s disease. Her technologies have been licensed to biotechnology companies, including NKore Biotherapeutics and NK Immuno T, supporting the translation of academic discoveries into commercial development.

From 2017 to 2024, Dr. Kaur served as a faculty scientist in the Division of Oral Biology and Medicine at the UCLA School of Dentistry, where she led translational research programs, contributed to federally funded and industry-sponsored studies, mentored more than 120 trainees, and established global scientific collaborations. From 2024 to 2025, she served as Director of Clinical Studies at NKore Biotherapeutics, supporting clinical development strategy and advancement of next-generation NK cell therapies.

As a scientist, biotechnology executive, and strategic advisor, Dr. Kaur combines expertise in immunology, translational research, intellectual property, clinical development, regulatory strategy, and business development to accelerate the advancement of innovative therapies from discovery to commercialization. Her mission is to bridge science and industry by transforming breakthrough discoveries into safe, effective, and accessible treatments that improve patient outcomes worldwide.