Distinguished Professor / Director

EDUCATION AND POSITIONS HELD:

• M.D., National Yang-Ming University, 1984
• D.Phil., University of Oxford, UK, 1992
• Postdoctoral fellow, Stanford University, 1993
• Director, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Natl. Yang-Ming Univ., Taipei,Taiwan, 2010-present
• Distinguished Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Natl. Yang-Ming Univ., Taipei, Taiwan, 2007-present
• Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Natl. Yang-Ming Univ., Taipei, Taiwan ,2001-present
• Director, Immunology Research Center, Natl. Yang-Ming Univ., Taiwan, 2000-present
• Director, Immunology Research Center, Taipei Veterans’ General Hospital, Taiwan, 2005-present
• Co-appointed Senior Investigator, National Health Research Center, Taipei, Taiwan ,2004-present
• Co-appointed Senior Investigator, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, 2004-present
• Distinguished Research Fellow, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, 2009-present

HONORS:

• Oversea Ph.D., studentship, Minister of Education, 1988
• Robert Wood Johnson Fellowship, 1993
• Outstanding Researcher Award, National Science Council, 1999
• Outstanding Researcher Award, National Science Council, 2003
• The 8th TienTe Lee Biomedical Awards-Outstanding Awards, 2013

RESEARCH INTERESTS:

Immunobiology of antigen presenting cells: non-Toll-like Innate Immunity Receptors

DCs (dendritic cells) and macrophages (M师) can either activate host immunity via stimulating T cells, B cells, and NK cells, or downregulating immune system via inducing cell anergy or promoting the development of regulatory T cells (Treg). The recognition of self versus non-self antigen relies on the abundant innate receptors, such as TOLL-like receptors, TREM receptors and lectin receptors. We are especially interested in the functions of non-TLR innate receptors in viral infections, and the immunomodulatory effects of decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) to modulate the activities of M师 and DCs.
We have developed a platform technology to identify members of lectin and TREM receptors as the pattern recognition receptors to flaviviruses, influenza viruses, and K. pneumoniae. In vivo study demonstrates the potential to suppress tissue damage and hemorrhagic shock via Blocking pathogen-receptor interaction. This makes non-TLRs the ideal targets for anti-inflammatory therapy.