Speaker: Dr. Youcun Qian

Topic: Molecular mechanisms of inflammatory disease pathogenesis

Time: 14:00-15:30, Jul. 14th (Fri.)

 Venue: Room 326, Medical Science Building

Host: Dr. Xiaoyu Hu

Abstract：

  My lab is interested in investigating functional mechanisms of IL-17 family cytokines and Nod-like receptors, with special interest in intestinal mucosal immunity.

  IL-17 family cytokines consist of 6 cytokines (IL-17A-IL-17F) and 5 receptors (IL-17RA-IL-17RE). IL-17A, also called IL-17, has been reported to be critical for autoimmune pathogenesis. I will first briefly describe our studies on IL-17 signaling regulation and autoimmunity. Then I will talk about the functional mechanisms of IL-17A and IL-17C in intestinal mucosal immunity, including the co-operation of IL-17A with FGF2 for intestinal epithelium damage repair and the roles of IL-17C-IL-17RE signaling in host defense against intestinal pathogens and in colon cancer development. Finally I will talk about our studies on Nod-like receptor members NLRP3 and NLRC5, including the feedback activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in antigen presenting cells by antigen-specific CD8+ T cells (CTLs) to promote antitumor immunity and GVHD pathogenesis and the regulation of MHC class I gene expression by NLRC5 to control CTL activation in host defense against pathogen infections.