Wuting Lu | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wuting Lu | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wuting Lu at Jiangxi Academy of Sciences | China

Dr. Wuting Lu is a dedicated researcher specializing in immunotoxicology, neurobiology, and aquatic toxicology. With a strong academic background and diverse research experience, Dr. Lu has contributed significantly to understanding environmental toxicants and their effects on immunity and neurodevelopment using zebrafish models. He has participated in multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, focusing on mechanisms of high-risk autism genes and their impact on the gut-immune-brain axis. His work has resulted in several high-impact journal publications, advancing knowledge in environmental safety, immunology, and neurobiology. Currently, he serves as Assistant Research Fellow at the Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences.

Publication Profile 

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Education 

Dr. Wuting Lu completed his Ph.D. in Biology at Nanchang University, where his research explored immunotoxicity and neurodevelopmental effects of environmental pollutants. He earned his M.S. in Neurobiology, also from Nanchang University, focusing on molecular and cellular mechanisms in the nervous system. His academic journey began with a B.S. in Aquaculture at Dalian Ocean University, providing him with a strong foundation in aquatic biology and toxicology. This multidisciplinary training enabled him to integrate environmental science, immunology, and neuroscience into his research, developing expertise in both experimental techniques and advanced molecular analysis approaches for investigating complex biological interactions.

Experience 

Dr. Wuting Lu professional career includes roles in academic research and laboratory management. He currently serves as Assistant Research Fellow at the Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, where he investigates immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity mechanisms. Before this, he worked as a Laboratory Technician at Jinggangshan University, gaining hands-on experience in molecular biology, immunology, and laboratory safety management. He has actively participated in several National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, contributing to studies on autism gene regulation, microglial activation, and the gut-immune-brain axis. His multidisciplinary experience spans aquatic toxicology, neurobiology, immunology, and transcriptomic analysis, bridging fundamental research with environmental health concerns.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Wuting Lu has received recognition for his research contributions through participation in multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, including studies on the high-risk autism gene CHD8 and its effects on microglial activation and the gut-immune-brain axis. His publications in leading journals, such as Fish & Shellfish Immunology and Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, highlight his impactful work on immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and antioxidant mechanisms in aquatic organisms. While early in his independent research career, his achievements demonstrate excellence in experimental design, molecular analysis, and scientific communication, positioning him as a promising researcher in environmental health and neuroimmunology fields.

Research Focus 

Dr. Wuting Lu research focuses on immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and environmental safety, particularly investigating the effects of environmental toxicants on immune and nervous system development using zebrafish as a model organism. He explores molecular mechanisms underlying pollutant-induced oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, and neurodevelopmental impairments. Additionally, he studies the regulatory roles of genes, such as CHD8, in microglial activation and the gut-immune-brain axis, linking environmental exposures to autism spectrum disorders. His work integrates toxicology, transcriptomics, and neuroimmunology to elucidate pathways of toxicity, identify potential biomarkers, and provide insights into environmental risk assessment, contributing to public health and ecological sustainability research.

Publication Top Notes

Immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity induced by natural borneol and synthetic borneol in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Immunotoxicity and transcriptome analysis of zebrafish embryos exposure to Nitazoxanide

Conclusion

Overall, Dr. Wuting Lu exhibits a strong research trajectory with impactful publications, interdisciplinary expertise, and contributions to nationally funded projects. His work in environmental toxicology, neurobiology, and molecular mechanisms aligns well with the objectives of the Best Researcher Award. With continued focus on independent project leadership and global collaboration, Dr. Lu has the potential not only to be a strong award candidate but also to emerge as a leading researcher in his field.

Song Guo Zheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Song Guo Zheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Chair Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine | China

Prof. Song Guo Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., is an internationally renowned immunologist and clinician-scientist specializing in rheumatology, molecular immunology, and translational medicine. He currently serves as Chair Professor and Dean of the School of Cell and Gene Therapy at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. With academic leadership roles across prestigious institutions in the U.S. and China, his pioneering work spans autoimmunity, cell therapy, and immunoregulation. A prolific author with over 110 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals, Prof. Zheng is also a highly decorated researcher and active leader in global immunology societies. His contributions continue to shape modern immunotherapy and precision medicine.

Publication Profile 

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Education 

Prof. Zheng earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Immunology from the University of Orleans, France (2011), and a Master’s in Pathology and Immunology from Shanghai Medical University (1992). He completed his M.D. at Anhui Medical University (1984). His clinical training included a residency in surgery at Chizhou City Hospital (1984–1989) and an internship at Shanghai Zhabei Hospital (1983–1984). He further pursued a pathology fellowship at Shanghai Medical University Cancer Hospital (1989–1993). These academic and clinical foundations laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in immunology, clinical research, and translational medicine across both China and the United States.

Experience 

Prof. Zheng currently serves as Chair Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Dean of the School of Cell and Gene Therapy (2023–Present). He previously held senior positions including the Ronald L. Whisler Chair in Rheumatology and Immunology at Ohio State University (2018–2022) and Director at Penn State University’s College of Medicine (2013–2018). His U.S. academic journey began at the University of Southern California as an assistant and associate professor (2004–2013), after postdoctoral work at USC and UCLA. With leadership in research, teaching, and clinical science, he has become a global authority in immunological therapeutics and rheumatology.

Awards

Prof. Zheng has received numerous prestigious honors, including the Outstanding Scientist Award (2023, USA) and the Distinguished Clinical Immunologist Award (2019, China). He was awarded the Edmund L. Dubois Award (2019), NIH STAR Award (2016–2021), and was Chair of NIH MOSS Study Section (2016). Notably, he earned the James R. Klinenberg Award for best immunologist in Southern California (2007) and the Freda Newton Memorial Scholar Award (2006). He is an elected member of The Henry Kunkel Society (2012) and a recipient of the ACR Investigator Award (2008–2010), reflecting his impactful and sustained contributions to clinical immunology.

Research Focus 

Prof. Zheng’s research centers on molecular immunology, particularly in autoimmune diseases, Treg/Th17 cell modulation, and immune tolerance mechanisms. He investigates immunometabolism, gene and cell therapy, and inflammatory signaling pathways with an emphasis on clinical translation. His studies on cytokines, nanomedicine, and immune checkpoint regulation aim to advance precision therapeutics for rheumatic and inflammatory diseases. He integrates cutting-edge techniques including single-cell sequencing, CRISPR-based modulation, and nano-drug delivery systems. His innovative research is highly cited and supports next-generation treatments for autoimmunity, cancer immunotherapy, and organ-specific inflammation, shaping global trends in immune-based medical interventions.

Publication Top Notes

Natural and induced CD4+ CD25+ cells educate CD4+ CD25− cells to develop suppressive activity: the role of IL-2, TGF-β, and IL-10

IL-2 is essential for TGF-β to convert naive CD4+ CD25− cells to CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and for expansion of these cells

Role of vitamin A in the immune system

Generation ex vivo of TGF-β-producing regulatory T cells from CD4+ CD25− precursors

Vitamin D and chronic diseases

TGF-β requires CTLA-4 early after T cell activation to induce FoxP3 and generate adaptive CD4+ CD25+ regulatory cells

Natural and TGF-β–induced Foxp3+ CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells are not mirror images of each other

Role of TNF–TNF receptor 2 signal in regulatory T cells and its therapeutic implications

Cutting edge: Foxp3+ CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells induced by IL-2 and TGF-β are resistant to Th17 conversion by IL-6

Hall of fame among pro-inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-6 gene and its transcriptional regulation mechanisms

The ubiquitin ligase Stub1 negatively modulates regulatory T cell suppressive activity by promoting degradation of the transcription factor Foxp3

The role of the combination of IL-2 and TGF-β or IL-10 in the generation and function of CD4+ CD25+ and CD8+regulatory T cell subsets

Conclusion

Given his outstanding scientific productivity, leadership in global immunology communities, and groundbreaking research on immune regulation, Prof. Song Guo Zheng is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His body of work demonstrates not only scientific depth and innovation but also sustained impact on the field of immunology and clinical medicine. With ongoing contributions and strategic improvements, he remains a central figure in advancing immune-based therapies and education worldwide.