Research
TRANSLATIONAL IMMUNOLOGY emphasizing on discovering and translating the novel discoveries in the field of immunology to the delivery of effective immunological solutions for human diseases is my long-standing interest.
Humanized Mouse Model: My laboratory has established the humanized mice with complete human immune system. Using humanized mice, we have successfully established different disease models, such as virus infection, tumors, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), allograft transplantation and lung fibrosis models. Now we are focusing on establishment of different autoimmune disease models in humanized mice.
Viral Immunology: To understand cellular and molecular basis involved in the host immune responses to influenza viruses and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and develop novel antiviral strategies. We have report for the first time that the small-for-gestational-age and preterm neonates have impaired antiviral activity of Vγ9Vδ2-T and NK cells against influenza virus. By targeting human gd-T cell immunity, we have further discovered novel strategies to treat human and avian influenza diseases and control EBV-induced tumors. Now we are studying the roles of gd-T and NK cells in immune surveillance of influenza virus and EBV infections.
Transplantation Immunology: To understand the basic processes that control T-cell-mediated inflammation and tolerance. We have developed the novel methods to generate antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 regulatory T cells (Tregs). We also confirmed that ex vivo-generated human CD8 Tregs can control graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in an allo-specific manner while leaving graft versus tumor and general immune responses intact in humanized mice. We are now focusing on translating these basic studies into the development of new therapies for GVHD, organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases.