Cancer and Immunology Lab
Research Field
I am an Assistant Professor in the Ph.D. Program in Regulatory Science and Policy, with joint appointments as an Assistant Research Fellow at the Cancer and Immunology Research Center and the Advanced Therapeutic Research Center at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. After earning my Ph.D. from Chang Gung University, I conducted advanced research at Tohoku University in Japan, specializing in antibody drug development. Blending expertise in biochemistry, oncology, and immunology, my current research focuses on modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) and developing precision immunotherapies, including mRNA-LNP platforms, spatial multiomics, and next-generation photo-immunotherapy systems.
My research team focuses on deciphering and modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) to pioneer next-generation cancer immunology and precision immunotherapy. To overcome therapeutic resistance, our program operates on two complementary topics:
(1) TME Reprogramming & Advanced Drug Delivery: We engineer targeted delivery platforms, specifically mRNA-LNP systems, to bypass dense physiological barriers. These platforms enable the localized, transient expression of immunomodulatory agents—such as engineered cytokines (e.g., IL-10)—effectively shifting the suppressive TME into an immune-active state to restore anti-tumor immunity.
(2) High-Dimensional Spatial Biology & Single-Cell Analysis: To map the complex cellular networks driving immunotherapy resistance, we leverage cutting-edge biotechlogies (scRNA-seq, Spectrum FACS, multiplex IHC and TCR-seq). By profiling patient-derived specimens, we precisely track T-cell activation, metabolic reprogramming, and functional dynamics under therapeutic pressure. This multi-omics approach successfully bridges benchside molecular discovery with clinical oncology applications. Drawing on interdisciplinary backgrounds in biochemistry, oncology, and immunology, my research team aims to translate high-dimensional biological insights into robust, clinically actionable therapeutic strategies.
- Immunotherapy Optimization: Investigating the optimal strategies and temporal dynamics of immunotherapy in clinical cohorts to maximize patient response rates.
- mRNA-based Therapeutic Delivery: Leveraging mRNA technology to achieve transient, high efficiency expression of immunomodulatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10) to overcome the delivery barriers of conventional biologics.
- Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) & Drug Development: Designing novel PIT devices coupled with innovative prodrugs to induce localized immunogenic cell death, bridging the gap between physical role and systemic immunity.
- Targeted Hematologic Research: Applying TME modulation strategies specifically to Multiple Myeloma, focusing on the unique bone marrow microenvironment.
- 2024/12 Healthcare EXPO TAIWAN (8th Edition) – Hsinchu Science Park Exhibition Booth, Principal Investigator (PI) of the Industry-Academia Collaboration Project. Project Title: Development of a Near-Infrared Light System for Photodynamic Cancer Therapy
- 2024 Moderna Taiwan mRNA Innovation Award (Lead Project Execution Personnel in the Academic-Research Collaboration Team)
- 2023 Selected as Featured High-Impact Paper (Q3), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (First author, Cell Report Medicine 2023; 4:101154.)
- 2018 International Research Grant Award (三島済一紀念眼科研究國際交流基金海外研究助成金)
- 2016, 斐陶斐榮譽會員 (Honorary Member), the Phi-Tau-Phi Scholastic Honor Society of the
Republic of China - 2015, Oral Communication Lecture and Reach the World Award: XXV Congress of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), June, Toronto, Canada.
Ph.D., Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, Chang Gung University
Job Description
We welcome motivated international students to join our research team through the IIPP internship program. This preferred three-month internship provides an excellent opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research on the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapeutic drug discovery while experiencing Taiwan’s dynamic scientific environment.
The interns will have the opportunity to contribute to one of our core research areas:
1. Immunotherapy Optimization: Investigating the optimal strategies and temporal
dynamics of immunotherapy in clinical cohorts to maximize patient response
rates.
2. mRNA-based Therapeutic Delivery: Leveraging mRNA technology to achieve
transient, high efficiency expression of immunomodulatory cytokines (e.g.,
IL-10) to overcome the delivery barriers of conventional biologics.
3. Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) & Drug Development: Designing novel PIT devices
coupled with innovative prodrugs to induce localized immunogenic cell death,
bridging the gap between physical role and systemic immunity.
4. Targeted Hematologic Research: Applying TME modulation strategies specifically
to Multiple Myeloma, focusing on the unique bone marrow microenvironment.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
Undergraduate or graduate in Life Science or Biology
Skill sets or Qualities
Applicants with one of the skills below are preferred
1. Mammalian or bacterial cell culture
2. Immune cell isolation and animal experience (mice)
3. Microscopy operating multiplex IHC staining