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We are elucidating the dynamic interactions between immune cells, epithelium, parenchyma, and microbes in order to program and re-program tissue microenvironments in human diseases.
We are elucidating the dynamic interactions between immune cells, epithelium, parenchyma, and microbes in order to program and re-program tissue microenvironments in human diseases.
Our major questions of research:
Which cellular compartments harbor memories of homeostasis and inflammation in tissues,
Which cellular compartments harbor memories of homeostasis and inflammation in tissues,
and how might we develop effective mechanisms by which to promote or erase them?
and how might we develop effective mechanisms by which to promote or erase them?
In short, where and how are health and disease stored in a tissue?
In short, where and how are health and disease stored in a tissue?
Our Goal
Our Goal
Our long-term scientific goal is to study the dynamic interactions between microbes, host immune cells and tissue parenchymal compartments in peripheral and barrier tissues, in order to improve outcomes in patients with inflammatory disorders. The epithelial barriers interface with the external environment and consequently are exposed to microbial and inflammatory stimuli. The immune system therefore has evolved to protect the hosts from potentially harmful microbes and promote epithelial wound healing by providing homeostatic signals. Moreover, the tissue-resident immune and epithelial stem cells maintain a memory of inflammation to enhance their protective and regenerative capacity, but these responses need to be tightly controlled to prevent chronic inflammation and epithelial malignancy.
Our long-term scientific goal is to study the dynamic interactions between microbes, host immune cells and tissue parenchymal compartments in peripheral and barrier tissues, in order to improve outcomes in patients with inflammatory disorders. The epithelial barriers interface with the external environment and consequently are exposed to microbial and inflammatory stimuli. The immune system therefore has evolved to protect the hosts from potentially harmful microbes and promote epithelial wound healing by providing homeostatic signals. Moreover, the tissue-resident immune and epithelial stem cells maintain a memory of inflammation to enhance their protective and regenerative capacity, but these responses need to be tightly controlled to prevent chronic inflammation and epithelial malignancy.
Drawing from the fields of immunology, microbiology and stem cell biology, we are aiming to conduct an interdisciplinary approach to mechanistically understand the molecular and cellular factors that dictate fitness and function of the barrier tissues. In addition, we will further explore how epithelial stem cells can interact with distinct immune populations to regulate barrier integrity during homeostasis, acute pathogen infection and chronic inflammation. We will develop testable models of human tissue (organoids, tissue samples from treatment responders vs. non-responders) and with mice (genetics, optogenetics, cellular immunology), with the aim of improving disease understanding and treatment. By leveraging the interdepartmental research environment of the Yonsei University College of Medicine, we anticipate translating our discoveries into improved therapeutic approaches at the bedside.
Drawing from the fields of immunology, microbiology and stem cell biology, we are aiming to conduct an interdisciplinary approach to mechanistically understand the molecular and cellular factors that dictate fitness and function of the barrier tissues. In addition, we will further explore how epithelial stem cells can interact with distinct immune populations to regulate barrier integrity during homeostasis, acute pathogen infection and chronic inflammation. We will develop testable models of human tissue (organoids, tissue samples from treatment responders vs. non-responders) and with mice (genetics, optogenetics, cellular immunology), with the aim of improving disease understanding and treatment. By leveraging the interdepartmental research environment of the Yonsei University College of Medicine, we anticipate translating our discoveries into improved therapeutic approaches at the bedside.
We invite you all to this everlasting journey. Welcome!!
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