Zhi Jane Chen

My research focuses on immune system, specifically T lymphocytes. T cell plays a central role in host defence against variety of pathogens and in self-tolerance. On the other hand, dysregulated immune responses are involved in pathogenesis of many diseases. In recent years, Th17 and Treg cells have been identified to play critical roles in inflammatory diseases and tumor. Our research is to utilize state-of-the-art systems biology approaches combined with mouse models of human diseases to characterize recently identified players. We will investigate their roles in Th17/iTreg cell differentiation and function at multiple levels and from mouse to human.