Research

Gut Microbiome Engineering

We are focusing on developing microbiome-driven immunoengineering strategies to modulate immune responses for therapeutic benefit. We investigate how commensal bacteria and their metabolites, regulate host immunity and contribute to diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, neuroinflammation, and autoimmune disorders. Particularly, we are utilizing microbiome-derived immunomodulatory metabolites for treatment of hard-to-treat cancers and autoimmune disorders.

In parallel, we study approaches to reshape microbial communities and explore gut–organ communication pathways, including the gut–brain axis, to advance innovative microbiome-based therapies for inflammatory, neurological, and autoimmune diseases.

Advancing Cancer Immunotherapy

Our immune system can detect and eliminate foreign pathogens by generating systemic immune responses. If we can harness this tremendous potential of our immune system and engineer cancer immunotherapy that can sense and eradicate tumors, this new strategy will bring transformative changes to cancer therapy. We are developing novel drug delivery systems (lipid nanoparticles, nano-emulsion, cell membrane vesicles, etc) that can deliver a payload (immune adjuvants, mRNA, microbial metabolites) to immune and tumor cells, in order to enhance the effector functions of immune cells against cancer. We seek to use this strategy to educate the adaptive immune system and selectively kill and eliminate primary and metastatic tumors.

Immunotherapy Against Autoimmune Disorder 

Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the body’s own cells and tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. These conditions can affect various organs and systems, including the joints, skin, and organs. To combat these diseases, our lab is developing innovative immunotherapies. By harnessing cutting-edge techniques such as novel drug delivery systems, targeted immune cell manipulation, and the development of novel biologics, we aim to create precise and effective treatments that restore immune balance and address the underlying causes of autoimmune diseases, potentially leading to cure against autoimmune diseases.