Affiliations

Professor, Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics

Member, California NanoSystems Institute, Gene Regulation GPB Home Area, Immunity, Microbes & Molecular Pathogenesis GPB Home Area, JCCC Gene Regulation Program Area, Molecular Pharmacology GPB Home Area, Tumor Immunology Program at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC)

Research in Dr. Cheng's laboratory is aimed at the process of innate and adaptive immune responses in host defense against bacterial and viral infections as well as tumor challenges. Upon recognizing pathogen infections, host cellular receptors such as Toll-like and Nod family receptors can trigger a series of signal transduction and gene expression networks (gene programs) to initiate innate immune responses. These innate immune responses can directly control the replication or spread of bacteria and viruses through induction of phagocytosis or antimicrobial products. In addition, innate immune response can also instruct the activation of adaptive immune response through induction of antigen presentation and co-stimulatory molecules. Defects in any steps in the process of innate and adaptive immune responses can increase susceptible of hosts to pathogen infections, whereas over-reactive immune responses can also lead to many inflammatory diseases and metabolic syndromes. We hope to understand the similarity and difference in host immune responses to different types of bacterial and viral infections, the balance between immune and inflammatory responses, the crosstalk between host immune and metabolic systems. Our goal is to develop novel strategies to enhance our immune system against pathogen infections and tumor challenges while to prevent or inhibit inflammatory and metabolic diseases.

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