Tzou Lab
Research
In our laboratory, we apply the knowledge and concepts of immunology to study human diseases and develop new therapeutic drugs.
Lesion-selective therapeutic proteins
Many recombinant proteins (antibodies and chimeric receptor proteins) are in clinical use, but these protein drugs often cause adverse effects. To address this issue, we linked a masking protein domain, through a protease substrate sequence, to the N-terminus of the antibody or chimeric receptor proteins, thereby masking the binding sites of the antibody or receptor. The antibody or chimeric receptor can be revived, upon cleavage on the substrate sequence to release the masking protein, by proteases highly expressed in the lesion sites (Chen IJ, et al. 2017. Scientific Reports. Lee CJ, et al. 2019. Cytokine)
Novel fusion protein
for enhanced anticancer effect
Cancers remain the top cause of human death. To improve cancer therapy, we develop a novel fusion protein for combined tumor-targeting, delivery of chemotherapy, and immune stimulation. On the other hand, selective costimulation blockade using a lesion-selective anti-inflammatory fusion protein unexpectedly suppressed tumor growths in two cancer models, although the underlying mechanisms are currently unclear. These fusion proteins may be further developed to provide efficacious therapies for cancers.
Investigation of the pathogenesis and development of therapy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
NAFLD is a major chronic liver disease that affects ~25% of the world population, and many of them can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Currently, no medical treatment for NASH has been approved by the FDA. In cooperation with Professor Jinn-Moon Yang’s lab, we are testing the efficacy of a novel anti-inflammatory drug, JMY104, as a potential treatment of NAFLD. JMY104 significantly reduces fat accumulation in cell and mouse models. Ongoing mechanistic investigations may reveal the critical pathways/genes involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. In addition, ongoing studies are conducted to test the efficacy of JMY104 in treating a diet-induced NASH in mice.
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