Abdullah Saleh Alsuliman

Dr. Abdullah focuses on translational research that bridges the gap between fundamental biomedical science and clinical practice, with the goal of translating laboratory discoveries into improved patient care. His research has centered on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, particularly the role of distinct T-cell subsets in post-transplant complications and the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD).

His work led to the identification of a memory helper CD4⁺CD161⁺ T-cell subset with stem cell–like properties, including the ability to resist corticosteroid treatment through ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein transporters. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms underlying steroid-resistant GvHD and highlight CD161 as a promising therapeutic target.

Dr. AlSuliman's research also focuses on cellular therapies, including CAR-T cells, antigen-specific T cells, and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). During his fellowship training, he designed and validated cellular therapy protocols, contributing to the advancement of cell-based therapeutic approaches. His expertise aligns with King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre’s strategic vision to establish a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility for the production and quality assurance of cellular and gene therapies to support clinical trials and precision medicine initiatives.

Flow Cytometry

Immunology

Stem cell transplantation/Graft versus Host Disease

Good manufacturing Practice (GMP)

Cell Therapy

Dr. AlSuliman has over two decades of experience in biomedical research, translational medicine, and cellular therapy. He currently serves as a Scientist at the Research Laboratory, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC), a position he has held since 2025. Prior to this, he was a Scientist in the Cell Therapy and Immunobiology Department at KFSHRC from 2020 to 2025, following postdoctoral fellowships in the same department between 2016 and 2020.

Before returning to KFSHRC, Dr. AlSuliman completed postdoctoral fellowships at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, USA, where he conducted translational research in the Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (2014–2015) and received advanced training at its Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility (2015–2016). He earned his Ph.D. in Investigative Science from Imperial College London in 2013.

Earlier in his career, Dr. AlSuliman served as a Senior Research Assistant in the Cell Therapy and Immunobiology Department at KFSHRC (2007–2013), a Research Technician in the Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Research Unit (2003–2007), and a Technician in the Flow Cytometry Core Facility (2002–2003). He began his professional career as a Medical Technologist in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at KFSHRC (2001–2002), where he completed comprehensive rotations across multiple diagnostic laboratories, including Immunopathology, Clinical Chemistry, Hematopathology, and other specialized laboratory services.