Host immune responses against viral and bacterial infections

Dr. Liang's current research focuses on understanding of host immune response against viral (ZIKV and SARS-CoV-2) and bacterial (Orientia tsutsugamushi) infections. The outbreak of these diseases cause large amounts of morbidity and mortality in patients worldwide. Using well-established animal models and novel immunological technologies, he and his colleagues have exploited several immune factors (e.g., IL-17, IL-22, IL-33, IL-36 and IFN-l) contributing to the host immunity against infection, as well as the mechanisms of cytokine-mediated metabolic reprogramming in immune cells. Host-pathogen interaction is considered a highly dynamic process between diverse microbial pathogens and hosts in all stages of pathogenic infection. Dr. Liang is also investigating how intracellular bacteria hijack immune cells during invasion, dissemination and long-term persistence.