My research is multi-disciplinary in nature and centered on the pathogenic and immunological responses following virus infections and immune up regulation to cancer and radiation exposure.We reported on the hormonal mediated up-regulation of host resistance against lethal viral, bacterial and parasitic infections as well as protection against lethal radiation injury. This is achieved by up-regulation of the host resistance and not by direct destruction of the infectious organisms. These hormones also counteract the immune suppressive effects of corticosteroids, and have a role in neuro- immune-regulation. In contrast the epimers induce apoptosis and autophagy only in tumor cell line. Previously, we
My research is multi-disciplinary in nature and centered on the pathogenic and immunological responses following virus infections and immune up regulation to cancer and radiation exposure.We reported on the hormonal mediated up-regulation of host resistance against lethal viral, bacterial and parasitic infections as well as protection against lethal radiation injury. This is achieved by up-regulation of the host resistance and not by direct destruction of the infectious organisms. These hormones also counteract the immune suppressive effects of corticosteroids, and have a role in neuro- immune-regulation. In contrast the epimers induce apoptosis and autophagy only in tumor cell line. Previously, we reported that genetic predisposition to diabetes mellitus is associated with a greater susceptibility to infection with human coxsackievirus B4 and resulted in severe pancreatic pathology and destruction of beta cell. Furthermore, genetic predisposition to diabetes, without overt disease, resulted in impaired humoral immunity and the inability to produce neutralizing antibodies to virus challenge.
I have over 25 years of experience with the design, development and use of immunodeficient mouse human tumor xenograft models to study the interaction of inflammatory leukocytes and fibroblasts with tumor cells in human lung and ovarian tumor microenvironments. My co-investigators and I have established that tumor-associated T cells are hypo-responsive to activation via the T cell receptor (TCR). We determined that the failure of these cells to respond to activation signals is due to the disruption of the TCR signaling cascade that occurs at or just proximal to the activation of PLC-(gamma). We have found that an identical TCR
I have over 25 years of experience with the design, development and use of immunodeficient mouse human tumor xenograft models to study the interaction of inflammatory leukocytes and fibroblasts with tumor cells in human lung and ovarian tumor microenvironments. My co-investigators and I have established that tumor-associated T cells are hypo-responsive to activation via the T cell receptor (TCR). We determined that the failure of these cells to respond to activation signals is due to the disruption of the TCR signaling cascade that occurs at or just proximal to the activation of PLC-(gamma). We have found that an identical TCR signaling arrest occurs in human T cells present within chronic inflammatory tissues. Using human tumor xenograft models my students and postdoctoral fellows established that a local and sustained release of IL-12 into the tumor microenvironment activates the quiescent tumor-associated T cells to produce and secrete IFN-(gamma) that mobilizes an immune mediated eradication of the tumor. Based upon these preclinical studies we have begun a Phase I clinical trial to test the safety and feasibility of delivering low and sustained doses of recombinant human IL-12 directly into patients' tumors. Most recently we have determined that 2 polar lipids (PS and GD3) present within human ovarian tumor ascites fluids mediate a reversible arrest in the TCR signaling pathway of ovarian tumor-associated T cells. A major focus of my laboratory is to structurally characterize the immunoinhibitory lipids present within the tumor ascites fluids, determine the mechanism by which they arrest the TCR signaling, and using a novel humanized mouse model to pre-clinically test whether the TCR signaling arrest can be reversed in tumor-associated T cells or prevented from occurring in T cells upon entry into the tumor microenvironment by eliminating or blocking the lipid mediated disruption of the TCR signaling cascade.
Prof. Huasong Zeng MD, PhD is the Founder and Chairman of Pediatric Allergy Immunology and Rheumatology Department, Childrens Hospital, Women and Childrens Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, PhD Tutor of Jinan University Medical College, PRC, Postdoctoral Fellowship of University of Chicago (2001-2003) USA. His academic positions and editorial of journals are: Committee Member of Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization(PRINTO) General Secretary and Vice Chairman of Academic Committee, Asia Pacific Medicine and Bio-Immunology Association Elected President of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, APMBI President of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology Committee, Beijing Medical Reward Foundation Consultant and Past Vice Head of
Prof. Huasong Zeng MD, PhD is the Founder and Chairman of Pediatric Allergy Immunology and Rheumatology Department, Childrens Hospital, Women and Childrens Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, PhD Tutor of Jinan University Medical College, PRC, Postdoctoral Fellowship of University of Chicago (2001-2003) USA. His academic positions and editorial of journals are: Committee Member of Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization(PRINTO) General Secretary and Vice Chairman of Academic Committee, Asia Pacific Medicine and Bio-Immunology Association Elected President of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, APMBI President of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology Committee, Beijing Medical Reward Foundation Consultant and Past Vice Head of the Chinese National Pediatric Clinical Immunology Group, Chinese Medical Association Founder and Firstly President of Guangdong Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology Association Vice President of Guangzhou Rheumatology Association.
My role in basic and clinical research has largely derived from my position as Director of the Molecular Biology Core in the Section of Pulmonary Medicine. In that capacity,I have generated and characterized a number of lung-specific over expressing transgenic and null mutant mice to study in vivo roles and the effect of various cytokines in the pathogenes is of asthma, acute lung injury, pulmonary vascular disease, pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema. My current research interest focuses on defining the molecular mechanism regulating airway and alveolar remodeling that includes emphysema, fibrosis and lung cancer. Recently our laboratory, incollaboration with Dr. Elias,
My role in basic and clinical research has largely derived from my position as Director of the Molecular Biology Core in the Section of Pulmonary Medicine. In that capacity,I have generated and characterized a number of lung-specific over expressing transgenic and null mutant mice to study in vivo roles and the effect of various cytokines in the pathogenes is of asthma, acute lung injury, pulmonary vascular disease, pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema. My current research interest focuses on defining the molecular mechanism regulating airway and alveolar remodeling that includes emphysema, fibrosis and lung cancer. Recently our laboratory, incollaboration with Dr. Elias, made significant in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation, airway remodeling, and lung injury. Our laboratory has been focused to define in vivorole and mechanism of chitotriosidase, TGF-(beta)1 and other mediators that regulate the development of lung fibrosis by generation and characterization of gene-specific null and transgenic mice.
I have been studying the role of the immune system in tumor eradication versus progression in the past 20 years. Our long-term goal is to distill the knowledge we obtain from our studies to develop novel immune-based therapies for cancer. Early studies demonstrated that local sustained delivery of TH1-promoting adjuvants to tumors can reverse tumor immune suppression and activate both local and systemic antitumor T-effector cell responses leading to eradication of disseminated disease. However, recent work revealed that such responses are transient. Further experiments identified the critical role of IFN(gamma)-IDO-T-regulatory cell axis in the premature termination of
I have been studying the role of the immune system in tumor eradication versus progression in the past 20 years. Our long-term goal is to distill the knowledge we obtain from our studies to develop novel immune-based therapies for cancer. Early studies demonstrated that local sustained delivery of TH1-promoting adjuvants to tumors can reverse tumor immune suppression and activate both local and systemic antitumor T-effector cell responses leading to eradication of disseminated disease. However, recent work revealed that such responses are transient. Further experiments identified the critical role of IFN(gamma)-IDO-T-regulatory cell axis in the premature termination of treatment-induced antitumor cytotoxic responses. We are currently delineating the molecular mechanisms that initiate and maintain post-therapyregulatory rebound. Whereas acute activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes can result in tumor kill, myeloid cells that are found in chronic inflammatory environments can promote tumor growth. Our group recently began investigating the therapeutic potential of oral immune adjuvants with tolerogenic properties in models of inflammation-driven polyposis and cancer. These studies have demonstrated that oral particulate formulations of Interleukin-10 can ameliorate both local and systemic disease via specific effects on intestinal CD4+ Foxp3+ ROR(gamma)t+ IL-17+ pathogenic T-regulatory cells in a genetic murine model of intestinal polyposis. We are now delineating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the observed effects.
Upon completion of Postdoctoral Fellowship training at the Yale University School of Medicine, Dr. Jun Yan joined the faculty of the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Department of Medicine as an Assistant Professor in 2003. In his laboratory, they seek to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of leukocyte recruitment and priming within the tumor microenvironment by utilizing a combination of anti-tumor mAb and yeast-derived polysaccharide (beta)-glucan. The second major area of interest in the lab involves the roles of B cells in the regulation of autoreactive T cell activation and tolerance using a murine systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Upon completion of Postdoctoral Fellowship training at the Yale University School of Medicine, Dr. Jun Yan joined the faculty of the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Department of Medicine as an Assistant Professor in 2003. In his laboratory, they seek to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of leukocyte recruitment and priming within the tumor microenvironment by utilizing a combination of anti-tumor mAb and yeast-derived polysaccharide (beta)-glucan. The second major area of interest in the lab involves the roles of B cells in the regulation of autoreactive T cell activation and tolerance using a murine systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Knowledge gained from these studies has led them to develop effective vaccines for cancer and infectious diseases. They have also recently discovered a novel subset of (Gamma Delta) T cells, which plays a critical role in regulating skin inflammation and cancer-elicited inflammation and immunosupression. Dr. Yan has published more than 90 papers.
Dr. Levine is Professor of Pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine and Director of Pediatric Gastroenterology at NYU Langone Medical Center. He received his M.D. degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his postdoctoral clinical and research training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital. Dr Levine's research interests are related to the development of the gastrointestinal immune system and the impact of immune dysregulation on the development of autoimmune gastrointestinal and liver disease. Dr Levine's initial research focused on liver uptake and inhibition of absorbed antigens. Currently, Dr Levine is seeking to determine the underlying immune
Dr. Levine is Professor of Pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine and Director of Pediatric Gastroenterology at NYU Langone Medical Center. He received his M.D. degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his postdoctoral clinical and research training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital. Dr Levine's research interests are related to the development of the gastrointestinal immune system and the impact of immune dysregulation on the development of autoimmune gastrointestinal and liver disease. Dr Levine's initial research focused on liver uptake and inhibition of absorbed antigens. Currently, Dr Levine is seeking to determine the underlying immune dysregulation that leads to common autoimmune intestinal diseases including celiac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis and Crohn's disease.
Dr.Yamanaka is now a Professor at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan. He earned his MD at Niigata University, Japan, in 1982 and completed a neurosurgical residency training at its affiliated hospitals. He received his academic degree (Dr. Med. Sci.) from Niigata University. Following research fellowships at the National Institutes of Health in the United States from 1994 to 1998, he assumed the position of Assistant Professor and Lecturer at the Department of Neurosurgery in the Brain Research Institute at Niigata University. In 2006, he was promoted to Professor of the Research Center of Innovative Cancer Therapy at Kurume
Dr.Yamanaka is now a Professor at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan. He earned his MD at Niigata University, Japan, in 1982 and completed a neurosurgical residency training at its affiliated hospitals. He received his academic degree (Dr. Med. Sci.) from Niigata University. Following research fellowships at the National Institutes of Health in the United States from 1994 to 1998, he assumed the position of Assistant Professor and Lecturer at the Department of Neurosurgery in the Brain Research Institute at Niigata University. In 2006, he was promoted to Professor of the Research Center of Innovative Cancer Therapy at Kurume University School of Medicine. He joined the Faculty at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in 2010. His main research interests include translational biochemical research in clinical oncology, including brain tumors. He has board certifications for Medical Oncology, Neurosurgery, Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases. Expertise Keywords of Research Work: Clinical oncology, medical oncology, molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy, brain tumor, neurosurgery
Dr. Junichiro Mizuguchi is Professor and Chairman at the Department of Immunology, Tokyo Medical University. He was Chief of immunochemistry section at the Department of Humoral Immunity, Japanese NIH during the period of 1988-1991. He published 127 articles.
Takayuki Fujita M.D., Ph.D. is Professor of Nihon University School of Medicine. He directs the Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Endocrinology of Nihon University Itabashi Hospital as chairman. He currently focuses the safe maintenance-treatment of systemic vasculitis with glomerular involvement in the clinical practice. His research interests focus on studying the role of complement and adipocytokines on the progress of diabetic glomerulosclerosis. He has been investigating the endothelial dysfunction in ANCA-associated vasculitis or type 2 diabetes with vascular risks such as insulin resistance or atherosclerosis.
Takayuki Fujita M.D., Ph.D. is Professor of Nihon University School of Medicine. He directs the Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Endocrinology of Nihon University Itabashi Hospital as chairman. He currently focuses the safe maintenance-treatment of systemic vasculitis with glomerular involvement in the clinical practice. His research interests focus on studying the role of complement and adipocytokines on the progress of diabetic glomerulosclerosis. He has been investigating the endothelial dysfunction in ANCA-associated vasculitis or type 2 diabetes with vascular risks such as insulin resistance or atherosclerosis.
Hisanori Umehara was born in Kyoto, Japan, in 1955. He received the M.D. (summa cum laude) from Keio University and the Ph.D. from Kyoto University. H. Umehara was a visiting researcher of UCLA and FDA/NIH in U.S. through 1989 to 1992, an assistant professor of Osaka Dental University in 1992, an associate professor of Kyoto University in 2001, and a Professor of Division of Hematology and Immunology of Kanazawa Medical University from 2006. H. Umehara is a Rheumatologist with wide knowledge of both Clinical and Basic Immunology. His major interests are to study functional roles of lipid
Hisanori Umehara was born in Kyoto, Japan, in 1955. He received the M.D. (summa cum laude) from Keio University and the Ph.D. from Kyoto University. H. Umehara was a visiting researcher of UCLA and FDA/NIH in U.S. through 1989 to 1992, an assistant professor of Osaka Dental University in 1992, an associate professor of Kyoto University in 2001, and a Professor of Division of Hematology and Immunology of Kanazawa Medical University from 2006. H. Umehara is a Rheumatologist with wide knowledge of both Clinical and Basic Immunology. His major interests are to study functional roles of lipid rafts and fractalkine in inflammatory and immune responses. He was a Japanese director of SICCA funded by NIH, USA, and published the international criteria for Sjogren's syndrome. He has been a chairman of all Japan IgG4-related disease team supported by Health, Labor and Welfare, Japan, and published comprehensive diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD, 2011.
Dr. Ken-ichiro Inoue is Professor of Center for Medical Science at the International University of Health and Welfare. His research interests in Nanotoxicology, environmental immunotoxicology and respiratory allergology. He published nearly 200 articles.
Dr. Im completed his PhD degree at the department of immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science by studying the development of antigen-specific immunotherapy to treat autoimmunity using experimental myasthenia gravis as a model. He then completed post-doctoral training at the Harvard Medical School where his work focused on the epigenetic regulation of cytokine gene regulation in the CD4 T. Dr. Im is currently Professor in the Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) and a Group leader, Academy of Immunology and Microbiology (AIM), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), KOREA, where he is applying this training
Dr. Im completed his PhD degree at the department of immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science by studying the development of antigen-specific immunotherapy to treat autoimmunity using experimental myasthenia gravis as a model. He then completed post-doctoral training at the Harvard Medical School where his work focused on the epigenetic regulation of cytokine gene regulation in the CD4 T. Dr. Im is currently Professor in the Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) and a Group leader, Academy of Immunology and Microbiology (AIM), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), KOREA, where he is applying this training to understanding how our immune system maintains immune homeostasis by balancing between the immunity and tolerance. His research provide a close link between basic research and translational approach to treat hyper-immune disorders such as autoimmunity and allergic disorders. Research Interests: Dr. Im's laboratory has five main areas of interest: 1) Role of transcription factors (Ets1 and NFAT1) in immune regulation andTolerance 2) Molecular mechanism of IL-10 gene regulation in lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells (DCs and macrophages). 3) Elucidation of the signaling pathways and underlying mechanism for IL-10 generation by probiotics. 4). Characterization of regulatory DCs and iTreg cells induced by probiotics. 5) Development of antigen-specific immunotherapy for autoimmune disorders (Myasthenia gravis and rheumatoid arthritis)
Dr. Yasufumi Murakami is a professor at the Department of Biotechnology and Science, Tokyo University of Science, Japan. He received his Ph.D. degree from the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokyo University in 1984. And also he is a vice Director at Research Center for RNA Science, Tokyo University of Science. He has more than 100 publications. His research interests include Molecular biology of DNA tumor virus, Genomic Research, Functional Genomics and Identification of Novel target for various cancer and production of Mabs for therapeutic use.
Dr. Yasufumi Murakami is a professor at the Department of Biotechnology and Science, Tokyo University of Science, Japan. He received his Ph.D. degree from the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokyo University in 1984. And also he is a vice Director at Research Center for RNA Science, Tokyo University of Science. He has more than 100 publications. His research interests include Molecular biology of DNA tumor virus, Genomic Research, Functional Genomics and Identification of Novel target for various cancer and production of Mabs for therapeutic use.
Dr. Alexis M Kalergis is a Full Professor at the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. Dr. Kalergis is a biochemist graduate from P. Universidad Catolica of Chile and obtained his MSc and PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, where his graduate work was awarded the Julius Marmur Award. Then, he performed as post-doctoral trainee at the Albert Einstein and The Rockefeller University, supported by an Irvington and a Helen Hay Whitney
Dr. Alexis M Kalergis is a Full Professor at the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. Dr. Kalergis is a biochemist graduate from P. Universidad Catolica of Chile and obtained his MSc and PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, where his graduate work was awarded the Julius Marmur Award. Then, he performed as post-doctoral trainee at the Albert Einstein and The Rockefeller University, supported by an Irvington and a Helen Hay Whitney Fellowship. Dr. Kalergis has lectured as an invited speaker in several international conferences and published over 120 articles in leading journals. He is an active member of important scientific societies, including the American Society of Immunology, the American Society of Microbiology, and the Chilean Societies for Biology, Cell Biology and Immunology. Back to Chile, he was given in 2004 the national award to the most outstanding young scientist by the Biology Society of Chile and was selected as one of the fifty Chilean young leaders in 2005. The research of Dr. Kalergis focuses on the molecular interactions that regulate the synapse between T cells and dendritic cells and their role on immunity against pathogens and tumors, as well as on their modulation to restore self tolerance during autoimmune disorders. Dr. Kalergis is interested on transferring some of this basic knowledge into new tools for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human illnesses. In addition, Dr. Kalergis for several years has invested significant efforts on training young scientists. Since he started his independent laboratory (2003), he has contributed to the scientific training of 30 undergraduate, 15 graduate and 9 postdoctoral students. An important fraction of the time of Dr. Kalergis is spent in teaching undergraduate and graduate students in lectures at classes he is in charged of. Also, he has organized several scientific meetings, not only directed to the scientific community, but also to high school students and teachers at the capital and in rural areas of the country. In summary, Dr. Kalergis is committed to a true academic life: he works at generating and teaching new knowledge on his area of expertise and tries to translate it to new technologies aimed to improve the health of Chilean people.
Dr. Fernando Villalta is the chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Interim Director of the Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Villalta has largely contributed to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of microbial immunity, innate immunity and inflammation over the years. He also has generated novel vaccines for infectious diseases, and pioneer researchon the structural basis for rational drug design and therapy for diseases over the years. He serves as editor and editorial board member for a large number of scientific journals, on NIH study sections, national boards and
Dr. Fernando Villalta is the chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Interim Director of the Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Villalta has largely contributed to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of microbial immunity, innate immunity and inflammation over the years. He also has generated novel vaccines for infectious diseases, and pioneer researchon the structural basis for rational drug design and therapy for diseases over the years. He serves as editor and editorial board member for a large number of scientific journals, on NIH study sections, national boards and has published a large number of papers in high impact journals, including reviews and book chapters.
Jin-ichi Inokuchi received a Ph.D. degree in 1984 from the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University. In 1985 he moved to the Mental Health Research Institute, University of Michigan as a postdoctoral fellow with Fulbright scholarship (the late Prof. Norman Radin), and. in 1992, became the head of the Glycolipid Section, Tokyo Research Institute, SEIKAGAKU CORPORATION. In 1998 he moved to Hokkaido University as an associate professor. In 2006, he became a professor at the Institute of Molecular Biomembranes and Glycobiology, Tohoku Pharmaceutical University. His current research is focused on the pathophysiological roles of glycosphingolipids in metabolic
Jin-ichi Inokuchi received a Ph.D. degree in 1984 from the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University. In 1985 he moved to the Mental Health Research Institute, University of Michigan as a postdoctoral fellow with Fulbright scholarship (the late Prof. Norman Radin), and. in 1992, became the head of the Glycolipid Section, Tokyo Research Institute, SEIKAGAKU CORPORATION. In 1998 he moved to Hokkaido University as an associate professor. In 2006, he became a professor at the Institute of Molecular Biomembranes and Glycobiology, Tohoku Pharmaceutical University. His current research is focused on the pathophysiological roles of glycosphingolipids in metabolic syndrome, immune function and hearing function with a specific focus on membrabe microdomains (lipid rafts) and on the development of novel diagnosis and therapeutic intervention based on the discovery in his laboratory.
Dr. Tian Wang received her Ph.D. degree in Immunology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in 2000 and completed a postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Dr. Erol Fikrig at Yale University. From 2005 to 2008, she was an Assistant Professor at the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and pathology at Colorado State University. In 2008, she was recruited to UTMB. Currently, Dr. Wang is an Associate Professor at the Department of Microbiology/Immunology and the Department of Pathology at UTMB in Galveston. Dr. Wang’s primary field of interest is viral immunology with an emphasis on understanding immune response to
Dr. Tian Wang received her Ph.D. degree in Immunology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in 2000 and completed a postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Dr. Erol Fikrig at Yale University. From 2005 to 2008, she was an Assistant Professor at the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and pathology at Colorado State University. In 2008, she was recruited to UTMB. Currently, Dr. Wang is an Associate Professor at the Department of Microbiology/Immunology and the Department of Pathology at UTMB in Galveston. Dr. Wang’s primary field of interest is viral immunology with an emphasis on understanding immune response to West Nile virus infection in host protection and pathogenesis.
Dr. Zhou Zhu is an Associate Professor in the Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Yale University School of Medicine. He received his medical degree in Tongji Medical University in China and his Ph.D. in the United States. As a research scientist, Dr. Zhu has been working in the fields of respiratory diseases for 20 years. He is an established immunologist and is a recognized expert in the field. The major research focus of Dr. Zhu''s laboratory is on the molecular and immunological mechanisms in the pathogenesis of inflammatory lung diseases, including allergy, asthma, and COPD. Dr. Zhu has published
Dr. Zhou Zhu is an Associate Professor in the Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Yale University School of Medicine. He received his medical degree in Tongji Medical University in China and his Ph.D. in the United States. As a research scientist, Dr. Zhu has been working in the fields of respiratory diseases for 20 years. He is an established immunologist and is a recognized expert in the field. The major research focus of Dr. Zhu''s laboratory is on the molecular and immunological mechanisms in the pathogenesis of inflammatory lung diseases, including allergy, asthma, and COPD. Dr. Zhu has published many research articles in high impact scientific journals, generated advanced tools for the research community, and made significant contributions to the research field of lung diseases. He is serving for scientific journals and NIH study sections as a reviewer.
Dr. Zan has a wide-range interest in molecular mechanisms underlying CSR and SHM, including how AID mediates generation of DNA lesions and how these lesions are processed by error-prone DNA polymerases and DNA repair factors, leading to insertion of mutations in V(D)J region DNA for SHM or double strand DNA break (DSB) end joining for CSR. He has also found that the HoxC4 homeodomain transcription factor directly binds to AID gene promoter to induce AID and that estrogen upregulates HoxC4 expression. Prompted by his findings that HoxC4 and AID are important for the production of autoantibodies in lupus,
Dr. Zan has a wide-range interest in molecular mechanisms underlying CSR and SHM, including how AID mediates generation of DNA lesions and how these lesions are processed by error-prone DNA polymerases and DNA repair factors, leading to insertion of mutations in V(D)J region DNA for SHM or double strand DNA break (DSB) end joining for CSR. He has also found that the HoxC4 homeodomain transcription factor directly binds to AID gene promoter to induce AID and that estrogen upregulates HoxC4 expression. Prompted by his findings that HoxC4 and AID are important for the production of autoantibodies in lupus, Dr. Zan is studying the protective effect of estrogen receptor antagonists, such as fulvestrant, in preventing autoantibody production and lupus symptoms in MRL/Faslpr/lpr mice. He is also studying the relationship of gut immunity with microbiota and nutrition.
Paula Licona-Limon received her PhD from the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 2008. She joined Dr. Richard Flavell Laboratory as a postdoctoral fellow at the Immunobiology Department at Yale School of Medicine. In 2014 she became Associate Research Scientist in the same Laboratory at Yale University. She wasa Pew Latin American Fellow in the Biomedical Sciences andmember of the National Research System in Mexico. Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms controlling autoimmune responses by T cells. Immunotherapy in cancer and Type 2 immunity. TGF-(beta) in the immune system.
Paula Licona-Limon received her PhD from the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 2008. She joined Dr. Richard Flavell Laboratory as a postdoctoral fellow at the Immunobiology Department at Yale School of Medicine. In 2014 she became Associate Research Scientist in the same Laboratory at Yale University. She wasa Pew Latin American Fellow in the Biomedical Sciences andmember of the National Research System in Mexico. Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms controlling autoimmune responses by T cells. Immunotherapy in cancer and Type 2 immunity. TGF-(beta) in the immune system.
Dr. Usui is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical Universty. He received his medical degree and Ph.D. in Tokyo Medical University. He is interested in understanding underlying mechanisms of intraocular inflammation and retinal abnormalities in this process that lead to uveoretinitis and retinal vascular diseases. Also, He is working to identify potential therapeutic avenues to treating human uveoretinitisand retinal vascular diseases for which there are currently no effective treatments.
Dr. Usui is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical Universty. He received his medical degree and Ph.D. in Tokyo Medical University. He is interested in understanding underlying mechanisms of intraocular inflammation and retinal abnormalities in this process that lead to uveoretinitis and retinal vascular diseases. Also, He is working to identify potential therapeutic avenues to treating human uveoretinitisand retinal vascular diseases for which there are currently no effective treatments.
Dr. Hideki Fujitagraduated from The University of Tokyo and received his MD degree in 1999. He received his PhD in dermatology at The University of Tokyo in 2005. He studied immunology of the human skin under the supervision of Professor James G. Krueger at The Rockefeller University in New York as a Senior Research Associate from 2009 to 2011. While there, he worked on the role of Langerhans cells and dermal dendritic cells in the pathogenesis of skin diseasessuch as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and squamous cell carcinoma. In 2011, became a Lecturer of theDepartment of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo.
Dr. Hideki Fujitagraduated from The University of Tokyo and received his MD degree in 1999. He received his PhD in dermatology at The University of Tokyo in 2005. He studied immunology of the human skin under the supervision of Professor James G. Krueger at The Rockefeller University in New York as a Senior Research Associate from 2009 to 2011. While there, he worked on the role of Langerhans cells and dermal dendritic cells in the pathogenesis of skin diseasessuch as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and squamous cell carcinoma. In 2011, became a Lecturer of theDepartment of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo. Then, he moved to the Department of Dermatology at Nihon University and has been an associate professor since 2014. His research interests include cutaneous dendritic cell, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and cutaneous lymphoma.
Dr. Matsui received his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan. He has been studying the role of colonization by Staphylococcus aureus in patients with atopic dermatitis from 1999. His previous studies demonstrated that cell wall components of S. aureus contributed to an increase in mast cells, Th2 cells and eosinophil numbersin the dermis of skin lesions of atopic dermatitis patients, and also they induced up-regulation of allergen specific IgE production and Th2 cells development. His current research interest focuses on regulation of Th1/Th2 cells development through Langerhans cells in order to cure allergic disease.
Dr. Matsui received his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan. He has been studying the role of colonization by Staphylococcus aureus in patients with atopic dermatitis from 1999. His previous studies demonstrated that cell wall components of S. aureus contributed to an increase in mast cells, Th2 cells and eosinophil numbersin the dermis of skin lesions of atopic dermatitis patients, and also they induced up-regulation of allergen specific IgE production and Th2 cells development. His current research interest focuses on regulation of Th1/Th2 cells development through Langerhans cells in order to cure allergic disease.
Naoki OISO was born on 31 May, 1968 in Toyooka, Hyogo, Japan. He received M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. On April 2012, Oiso serves as an Associate Professor at Departments of Dermatology and Patient Safety & Management, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine. In 1988, Oiso was a student at Osaka City University School of Medicine in Osaka, Japan. In 1997, Oiso was a graduate student at Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine in Osaka, Japan. In 2001, Oiso was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Human Medical Genetics Program, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, USA. In 1994, Oiso was a resident
Naoki OISO was born on 31 May, 1968 in Toyooka, Hyogo, Japan. He received M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. On April 2012, Oiso serves as an Associate Professor at Departments of Dermatology and Patient Safety & Management, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine. In 1988, Oiso was a student at Osaka City University School of Medicine in Osaka, Japan. In 1997, Oiso was a graduate student at Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine in Osaka, Japan. In 2001, Oiso was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Human Medical Genetics Program, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, USA. In 1994, Oiso was a resident at Departments of Dermatology, Osaka City University School of Medicine in Osaka. In 2005, Oiso served as an Assistant Professor at Department of Dermatology, Kinki University School of Medicine, in Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan.
Dr. Mimura has received his PhD in Tokyo University during the period of 2001-2005. Currently, he is working as associate professor in Tokyo Women's Medical University. He has successfully completed his Administrative responsibilities as reviewer, editor and research scholar etc. His research has included investigations of corneal transplantation. Based on this research and fellowship training he has received 25 awards and honors, such as: Rohto Award. He is serving as an editorial member of 34 reputed journals. He has authored several books including "Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering; From Cells to Organs".
Research Interests: My primary research interest is ocular immunology
Dr. Mimura has received his PhD in Tokyo University during the period of 2001-2005. Currently, he is working as associate professor in Tokyo Women's Medical University. He has successfully completed his Administrative responsibilities as reviewer, editor and research scholar etc. His research has included investigations of corneal transplantation. Based on this research and fellowship training he has received 25 awards and honors, such as: Rohto Award. He is serving as an editorial member of 34 reputed journals. He has authored several books including "Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering; From Cells to Organs".
Research Interests: My primary research interest is ocular immunology caused by environmental factors, and my clinical subspecialties include medical and surgical treatment of corneal and vitreoretinal diseases.
My research is centered on the immunobiology of severe systemic inflammatory responses to sepsis. The initial immune and inflammatory responses to sepsis, if not treated early, progresses to a late state of immune suppression, which corrolates with elevated mortality. A major focus of my work is to characterize the molecular processes that generate reprogramming of innate immunity cells and the associated inflammatory genes to sustain immune suppression. We established that, during sepsis systemic inflammation, epigenetic modifications of histone and remodeling of chromation on specific inflammatory genes reprograms innate immunity cells such as monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils to switch from proinflammatory to
My research is centered on the immunobiology of severe systemic inflammatory responses to sepsis. The initial immune and inflammatory responses to sepsis, if not treated early, progresses to a late state of immune suppression, which corrolates with elevated mortality. A major focus of my work is to characterize the molecular processes that generate reprogramming of innate immunity cells and the associated inflammatory genes to sustain immune suppression. We established that, during sepsis systemic inflammation, epigenetic modifications of histone and remodeling of chromation on specific inflammatory genes reprograms innate immunity cells such as monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils to switch from proinflammatory to immunosuppressive phenotype. These late response events leads to failure to eradicate ongoing infection and increases the risk of secondary, opportunistic infections. Morever, we recently reported that the bone marrow may contribute to innate immunity cell reprogramming during sepsis. We have found that dysregulation of specific microRNAs in the bone marrow disrupt myeloid cell differentiation in septic mice, resulting in the expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells-a heterogeneous population of monocyte and neutrophil progenitors and precursors with potent immunosuppressive activities. These findings are significants, since resolution of immune suppression during late sepsis correlates with better survival in septic patients. We reported that reducing the numbers of these suppressor myeloid cells improved survival in late septic mice. My areas of interest include: Innate immunity; Systemic inflammation; Sepsis; microRNA- and epigenetic-mediated reprogramming of innate immunity cell during systemic inflammation.
Parviz Kokhaei received his Ph.D. degree in experimental Oncology at the Karolinska Institutet (KI) in 2006 in Stockholm, Sweden and completed a postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Prof. Hakan Mellestedt. In 2008, he was recruited to Semnan University of Medical Sciences. Currently, Dr. Kokhaei is an Associate Professor at the Department of Immunology. Dr. Kokhaei's main field of interest is tumor immunology with an emphasis on understanding immune response monitoring to active tumor vaccination. He is also affiliated to Immune Gene Therapy Lab. at Karolinska Cancer center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Parviz Kokhaei received his Ph.D. degree in experimental Oncology at the Karolinska Institutet (KI) in 2006 in Stockholm, Sweden and completed a postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Prof. Hakan Mellestedt. In 2008, he was recruited to Semnan University of Medical Sciences. Currently, Dr. Kokhaei is an Associate Professor at the Department of Immunology. Dr. Kokhaei's main field of interest is tumor immunology with an emphasis on understanding immune response monitoring to active tumor vaccination. He is also affiliated to Immune Gene Therapy Lab. at Karolinska Cancer center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Toshihiko Torigoe, MD, PhD is an Associate Professor of the Department of Pathology at Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine in Sapporo, Japan. He has been actively involved in cancer biology, cancer immunology and immunotherapy. He has discovered a number of tumor antigens and cancer stem cell (CSC)-specificantigens, and established a novel category of cancer stem testis antigens through somato-germinomics. He has been conducting clinical trials of CSC-targeted vaccines. Additional research interests arecellular stress responseand stress pathobiology, which underlie a variety of human diseases, including cancer, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. He has published more than
Toshihiko Torigoe, MD, PhD is an Associate Professor of the Department of Pathology at Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine in Sapporo, Japan. He has been actively involved in cancer biology, cancer immunology and immunotherapy. He has discovered a number of tumor antigens and cancer stem cell (CSC)-specificantigens, and established a novel category of cancer stem testis antigens through somato-germinomics. He has been conducting clinical trials of CSC-targeted vaccines. Additional research interests arecellular stress responseand stress pathobiology, which underlie a variety of human diseases, including cancer, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. He has published more than 180 peer-reviewed articles and reviews in leading scientific journals. He serves on councilors of several medical associations, including Japanese Cancer Association, Japanese Society of Immunology, Japanese Society of Pathology, The Japan Society for Clinical Immunology and The Biomedical Society for Stress Response. Key words: Cancer vaccine, Tumor antigen, Immunotherapy, Cancer stem cell, Heat shock protein, Cellular stress response
Dr. Blattman completed his PhD degree at Emory University studying T cell responses during acute versus chronic virus infection. He then completed post-doctoral training at the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center where his work focused on the genetic modification of T cells to improve survival and efficacy during immunotherapy. Dr. Blattman is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences and in the Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology where he is applying this training to understanding how to improve the efficacy of vaccine platforms while minimizing immunopathology that can also result from
Dr. Blattman completed his PhD degree at Emory University studying T cell responses during acute versus chronic virus infection. He then completed post-doctoral training at the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center where his work focused on the genetic modification of T cells to improve survival and efficacy during immunotherapy. Dr. Blattman is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences and in the Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology where he is applying this training to understanding how to improve the efficacy of vaccine platforms while minimizing immunopathology that can also result from responses to these vaccines. Research Interests: Dr. Blattman's laboratory has three main areas of interest: 1) Use of DNA nanostructures to capture mRNA encoding dimeric immunoreceptors from individual cells, coupled with unique molecular approaches for linking the mRNA into a single cDNA for paired-end next-generation deep-sequencing. This approach results in cost-effective analysis of TCR or BCR repertoires without the need for single-cell sorting or costly specialized equipment. 2) Use of mathematical models that describe the complex, non-linear relationships between virus and adaptive immune responses to explore the trade-offs between immune control of infection versus immunopathology. We use the models to make predictions which are then tested empirically. 3) Linking immunologic responses to vaccination with epidemiologic measures of vaccine efficacy. We have developed use novel mathematical models for virus transmission in populations and couple these to the within-host models above to make predictions about which types of immune responses affect the outcome of virus infection. We then test the predictions using cell transfer of defined populations from immune mice into susceptible mice.
Dr. Sakimoto earned his MD at Nagasaki University in 1998, and received his PhD from Nihon University School of Medicine in 2004. He was a research fellow at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary from 2004 to 2006, and became Assistant Professor at Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Visual Sciences, Nihon University School of Medicine in 2007. His main research interests include interaction between cytokine and cytokine receptor in the cornea, clinical application of biologics to corneal inflammation, and pathophysiological role of MMP/ADAM in the cornea.
Dr. Sakimoto earned his MD at Nagasaki University in 1998, and received his PhD from Nihon University School of Medicine in 2004. He was a research fellow at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary from 2004 to 2006, and became Assistant Professor at Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Visual Sciences, Nihon University School of Medicine in 2007. His main research interests include interaction between cytokine and cytokine receptor in the cornea, clinical application of biologics to corneal inflammation, and pathophysiological role of MMP/ADAM in the cornea.
I have made the research in the laboratories of both Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine and Asahikawa Medical University School of Medicine in Japan providing medical care of the patients with several blood diseases. I have specialized in the study of blood morphology by light and electron microscopy. I have applied both histochemical and silver enhancing immunogold method for light microscopy and both the histochemical and immunogold method in addition to the scanning electron microscopical one as ultrastructural techniques. I was sent out for medical works by electron microscopy as a visiting researcher to the INSERMs of the Henri
I have made the research in the laboratories of both Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine and Asahikawa Medical University School of Medicine in Japan providing medical care of the patients with several blood diseases. I have specialized in the study of blood morphology by light and electron microscopy. I have applied both histochemical and silver enhancing immunogold method for light microscopy and both the histochemical and immunogold method in addition to the scanning electron microscopical one as ultrastructural techniques. I was sent out for medical works by electron microscopy as a visiting researcher to the INSERMs of the Henri Mondor Hospital and the Lariboisiere Hospital in Paris by Japanese Government for two years. I also helped the ambulatory practice to outpatients with AIDS as an assistant of Prof.J.L.Wautier who is the leader in the immunological section of the Lariboisiere Hospital. H.pylori is known to make M.lymphoma. I have morphologically observed the nature and function of H.pylori adding to those of blood cells using ultrastructural methods.
Dr. Kazuyuki Nakagome is an Associate Professor in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Saitama Medical University. He received his Ph.D. in Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo. He is interested in understanding the mechanisms of the development of allergic airway inflammation, especially the effect of various cytokines on dendritic cell functions and antigen-induced immune response, using mouse model. He is interested in the effect of neutrophilic airway inflammation or rhinovirus infection on asthma exacerbation. He is also interested in understanding the mechanisms of allergen immunotherapy. Research Interests: 1. Mechanisms of the development of allergic airway inflammation, 2. Effect of neutrophilic
Dr. Kazuyuki Nakagome is an Associate Professor in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Saitama Medical University. He received his Ph.D. in Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo. He is interested in understanding the mechanisms of the development of allergic airway inflammation, especially the effect of various cytokines on dendritic cell functions and antigen-induced immune response, using mouse model. He is interested in the effect of neutrophilic airway inflammation or rhinovirus infection on asthma exacerbation. He is also interested in understanding the mechanisms of allergen immunotherapy. Research Interests: 1. Mechanisms of the development of allergic airway inflammation, 2. Effect of neutrophilic airway inflammation or rhinovirus infection on asthma exacerbation, 3. Mechanisms of allergen immunotherapy.
Daniele Focosi, MD, is a hematologist currently employed at the North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank of Pisa University Hospital. Previously he has practiced 4 years as transplant immunologist and immunogenetist at the Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Centre of the Pisa Universiy Hospital. He has a Ph.D. degree in clinical and fundamental virology and a M.S. degree in clinical trials in onco-hematology. He was also a research fellow at :1) International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Molecular Immunology Group, in Trieste; 2) the Collegio Ghislieri in Pavia, Italy; and 3) the University of Pisa Center for Clinical Use of Stem Cells (CUCCS).
Daniele Focosi, MD, is a hematologist currently employed at the North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank of Pisa University Hospital. Previously he has practiced 4 years as transplant immunologist and immunogenetist at the Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Centre of the Pisa Universiy Hospital. He has a Ph.D. degree in clinical and fundamental virology and a M.S. degree in clinical trials in onco-hematology. He was also a research fellow at :1) International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Molecular Immunology Group, in Trieste; 2) the Collegio Ghislieri in Pavia, Italy; and 3) the University of Pisa Center for Clinical Use of Stem Cells (CUCCS). Dr. Focosi has authored 96 scientific articles indexed in PubMed, with an overall impact factor of over 700 and a hc-index of 11. He has given 35 oral and 45 poster presentations at national and international conferences.
Keywords : lymphoma; leukemia; anti-idiotype vaccine; iPSC; monoclonal antibodies; opportunistic infections; PML; progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy; cytokines; ELISpot; CDC; HLA
Robin Vos, MD, PhD, is currently Assistant Professor of Respiratory Diseases at the Katholieke Universiteit and University HospitalsLeuven, Belgium. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium in 2004, after which he completed his Residency in Internal and Pulmonary Medicine at the University HospitalsLeuven, Belgium in 2012. From 2006 until 2010 he performed his PhD fellowshipat the Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Lab of Respiratory Diseases,Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. His clinical andresearch focusses onthe pathophysiology and treatment of acute and chronic lung allograft rejection.
Robin Vos, MD, PhD, is currently Assistant Professor of Respiratory Diseases at the Katholieke Universiteit and University HospitalsLeuven, Belgium. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium in 2004, after which he completed his Residency in Internal and Pulmonary Medicine at the University HospitalsLeuven, Belgium in 2012. From 2006 until 2010 he performed his PhD fellowshipat the Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Lab of Respiratory Diseases,Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. His clinical andresearch focusses onthe pathophysiology and treatment of acute and chronic lung allograft rejection.
Dr. Kuvalekar works as Research Associate in clinical and translational GMP facility for past 7+ years. She have experience in T cell immunotherapy, viral and tumor clinical-translational research for several years. Dr. Kuvalekar is involved in SARS-CoV-2 research and preclinical studies. Her research interests include manufacture of SARS-CoV-2 specific cells lines, patients cell lines targeting lymphomas and leukemias, cryopreservation as per GMP compliance, aseptic technique, hemocytometry, molecular biology assays and T cell functional assays.
Dr. Kuvalekar works as Research Associate in clinical and translational GMP facility for past 7+ years. She have experience in T cell immunotherapy, viral and tumor clinical-translational research for several years. Dr. Kuvalekar is involved in SARS-CoV-2 research and preclinical studies. Her research interests include manufacture of SARS-CoV-2 specific cells lines, patients cell lines targeting lymphomas and leukemias, cryopreservation as per GMP compliance, aseptic technique, hemocytometry, molecular biology assays and T cell functional assays.
All articles are fully peer reviewed, free to access and can be downloaded from our ClinMed archive.
Clinical Medical Image Library: 93.51
International Journal of Critical Care and Emergency Medicine: 92.83
International Journal of Sports and Exercise Medicine: 91.84
International Journal of Womens Health and Wellness: 91.79
Journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Treatment: 91.73
Journal of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology: 91.55
Journal of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology: 91.55
Clinical Medical Reviews and Case Reports: 91.40
International Archives of Nursing and Health Care: 90.87
International Journal of Ophthalmology and Clinical Research: 90.80
International Archives of Urology and Complications: 90.73
Journal of Clinical Nephrology and Renal Care: 90.33
Journal of Family Medicine and Disease Prevention: 89.99
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology and Treatment: 89.54
Journal of Dermatology Research and Therapy: 89.34
International Journal of Clinical Cardiology: 89.24
International Journal of Radiology and Imaging Technology: 88.88
Obstetrics and Gynaecology Cases - Reviews: 88.42
International Journal of Blood Research and Disorders: 88.22
International Journal of Diabetes and Clinical Research: 87.97