Jianming Wu, DVM, PhD

One of our research goals is to produce NK cells and other immune cells with enhanced functions for cellular immunotherapies. Human induced pluripotent stem cells and peripheral blood natural killer cells (NK cells) will be engineered to produce chimeric IgG receptors that bind to therapeutic antibodies with high affinity and mediate robust signals for immune cell functions. We are also working toward delineating the genetics and biological functions of human genes responsible for the development of chronic inflammatory diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, vasculitis, and Alzheimer’s disease) and infections. In addition, we are interested in identifying novel human neutrophil antigens and alloantibodies involved in transfusion related diseases and other inflammatory diseases. Our future goals are to study the pathophysiological mechanisms of human acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and to identify biomarkers of ARDS.

IgG Fc receptors, human induced pluripotent stem cells, Cancer Immunotherapy

I am interested in the functional genomics of human IgG Fc receptors (Fc?Rs) and human inflammatory diseases. Functional genetic variants of Fc?Rs significantly influence the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. We also study genetic mechanisms of human neutrophil antigen (HNA) formation and their role human diseases. Human neutrophil antigen 2 (HNA-2) deficiency is a common phenotype as 3-5% humans do not express HNA-2. HNA-2 deficient individuals are prone to produce HNA-2 alloantibodies that cause a number of disorders including transfusion-related acute lung injury and immune neutropenia.

Dr. Wu, publications

Immunology, genetics, molecular and cellular biology, mechanisms of human inflammatory diseases

• CMB8202 Mechanisms of animal health and diseases
• CVM6906 Critical Scientific Reading