Speaker: Cheng Zhan, Ph.D.Professor and Principal InvestigatorDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of China (USTC)

Time: 10:00-11:00 am, April 2, 2025

Venue: Lui Che Woo Building Rm. B106

Abstract: 

Dr. Zhan’s research in the past decade has primarily focused on the brain-body crosstalk, with a particular interest in neuro-immuno-metabolic interactions. His scientific works demonstrate that targeting the nerve system can represent precise and effective treatments for immunological disorders. Dr. Zhan has recently unveiled that the circadian timing of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation has a significant impact on the development of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), a lethal adverse effect associated with this live-saving therapeutic strategy against blood cancers. Patients receiving HSC infusion early in the day exhibited a lower incidence and severity of aGVHD. Of importance, the clock center of the brain, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, would designate this clinical manifestation. Dr. Zhan further showed that the circadian differences in proinflammatory cytokine levels and T cell functions could play a crucial role in such timing-related disparities of aGVHD. This research discovery promises a better clinical practice of HSC transplantation.

Source: McGovern Institute for Brain Research at PKU