Prof. Guangxun Meng , Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences , China
Guangxun Meng is the Lab Chief of the Innate Immunity Lab at the Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, CAS, China. He specializes in mucosal immunology and inflammasome research, with a focus on barrier organs such as the gut, lung, and skin. His work is instrumental in understanding viral infections, inflammation, and cancer, particularly within the respiratory system and gut. With numerous high-impact publications, Guangxun’s contributions to immunology have significantly advanced understanding in innate immunity and the inflammasome’s role in disease. His ongoing research projects include exploring novel therapeutics for cancer suppression and viral infections.
Publication Profile:
Google Scholar
Strengths for the Award:
Dr. Guangxun Meng has made substantial contributions to the fields of mucosal immunology, inflammation, and cancer, particularly through his work on the inflammasome and innate immunity. His research has been pivotal in understanding the roles of NLRP3 and IL-18 in immune responses and cancer suppression. Dr. Meng’s work has led to significant advancements, such as the discovery of short IL-18 and its mobilization of NK cells to suppress tumor growth. His innovative work, which links microbiota, inflammasomes, and viral immunity, has been published in prestigious journals like Nature Immunology and Nature Communications. The breadth of his patents, including those targeting viral infections, further highlights his innovative contributions to the field.
Areas for Improvement:
While Dr. Meng’s research has made significant strides in understanding immune responses in cancer, further investigation into the therapeutic applications of his findings would be beneficial. Expanding collaborations with clinical researchers could bridge the gap between basic science and clinical oncology, potentially leading to novel treatment options.
Education:
Guangxun Meng earned his advanced degrees at leading institutions, where he developed a strong foundation in immunology and molecular biology. He completed his postdoctoral training in immunology and infectious diseases, deepening his understanding of immune responses to viral infections and their regulation in mucosal tissues. Throughout his career, he has focused on integrating experimental immunology with clinical insights to discover new therapeutic strategies, making him a prominent figure in his field.
Experience:
Guangxun Meng’s extensive research experience spans key roles in both academia and collaborative projects with the biotech industry. As Lab Chief at the Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, he leads a team focused on understanding the mechanisms of mucosal immunity and inflammation. His research spans multiple areas, including cancer immunotherapy, viral infections, and the inflammasome’s role in diseases like sepsis. Over the years, Guangxun has worked with leading immunologists worldwide, contributing significantly to research on innate immunity, microbial interactions, and cancer biology.
Awards and Honors:
Guangxun Meng has received numerous accolades throughout his career for his groundbreaking contributions to immunology and cancer research. He is a respected member of several prestigious scientific societies, including the Society for Mucosal Immunology and the American Association of Immunologists. His work has led to significant advances in the fields of inflammation and viral infections, and his lab continues to receive recognition for the potential clinical applications of its research. His contributions to immunology have made him a leading expert in the study of inflammasomes and mucosal immunity.
Research Focus:
Guangxun Meng’s primary research focuses on mucosal immunology, inflammasome activation, and innate immunity. His work investigates the immune responses in barrier organs like the gut, skin, and lungs, particularly in relation to viral infections, inflammation, and cancer. He is exploring the therapeutic potential of novel molecules like short IL-18 and the role of microbiota-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, in immune modulation. His lab’s research also includes the development of new strategies to target inflammasome activation and improve responses to infections and cancer.
Publications Top Notes:
- Short IL-18 generated by caspase-3 cleavage mobilizes NK cells to suppress tumor growth – Nature Immunology 📄
- Interleukin-1 prevents SARS-CoV-2-induced membrane fusion to restrict viral transmission – eLife 🦠
- Anti-influenza activity of CPAVM1 protease secreted by Bacillus subtilis LjM2 – Antiviral Res. 💊
- Antibody-mediated spike activation promotes cell-cell transmission of SARS-CoV-2 – PLoS Pathogens 🧪
- cFLIPS regulates alternative NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human monocytes – Cell Mol Immunol 💡
- TRAF6-TAK1-IKKβ pathway mediates TLR2 agonists activating “one-step” NLRP3 inflammasome – Cytokine 🔬
- TAK1 Deficiency in Macrophages Increases Host Susceptibility to Leishmania Infection – Infectious Microbes & Diseases 🦠
- Function of NLRP3 in Anti-influenza Viral Infection – Viruses 🦠
- Microbiota-derived acetate enhances host antiviral response via NLRP3 – Nature Communications 🌿
- SARS-CoV-2 spike engagement of ACE2 primes S2’site cleavage and fusion initiation – Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 🦠
Conclusion:
Dr. Guangxun Meng is highly deserving of the Research for Cancer Cell Biology Award. His pioneering work in immunology, inflammasomes, and cancer biology represents a critical contribution to the understanding of immune responses in cancer. His research promises to have significant implications for both cancer therapy and infectious disease control.