My research program focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of inflammation and cancer. In particular, I have maintained a longstanding focus on the role of Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) in regulating immune cell development and function, with specific interest in how TGF-β signaling dictates the processes of inflammation, malignancy, and immunotherapy response.
The overarching goal of our laboratory is to elucidate the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, cancer progression, and therapeutic drug resistance. By bridging the gap between basic immunology and clinical oncology, we aim to develop novel, therapeutically effective intervention strategies. In line with these long-term goals, our laboratory explores three integrative lines of research:
1. Mechanisms of Inflammation and Cancer
2. Therapeutic Discovery and Drug Development
3. Drug Resistance and Cancer Immunotherapy
Research Information
Research Projects
Our laboratory is deeply invested in translating pre-clinical discoveries into actionable clinical approaches. We are actively investigating the following areas:
1. Mechanisms of Inflammation-Driven Cancer
· Factors regulating the differentiation and function of immune cells (e.g., TGF-β signaling)
· Molecular mechanisms driving the malignant transformation of epithelial cells
· Host immune responses to microbial infections and their link to tumorigenesis
2. Therapeutic Interventions and Collaboration
· Collaborative evaluation of targeted therapeutic agents, including TGF-β inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, and triterpenoids
· Elucidating the mechanistic impact of these small molecules and inhibitors on immune cell populations
· Pre-clinical evaluation and development of novel therapeutic candidates
3. Drug Resistance and Cancer Immunotherapy
· The role of TGF-β signaling in driving resistance to proteasome inhibitors in multiple myeloma
· Mechanisms governing immunotherapy resistance and associated toxicities (e.g., tumor antigen loss, cytokine release syndrome [CRS])
· Investigating the immunogenicity of drug-resistant tumors and developing novel CAR-T cell therapeutics
Ultimately, our long-term vision is to translate insights gained from basic pre-clinical investigations into rationally designed immunotherapeutic clinical trials to improve outcomes for patients with both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.