Projects per year
Personal profile
Research interests
Research in the Wang Laboratory consists of projects in three main directions: 1) To elucidate the molecular mechanisms for the regulation of mitochondrial autophagy; 2) To study the molecular mechanisms for immunological memory against infections; and 3) To develop a cure for HIV infection by the SECH approach through selective elimination of host cells harboring replication-competent HIV:
1. Autophagy is critical for mitochondrial quality control through the clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria. Autophagy is also important for the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis and the regulation of cellular metabolic functions. We have identified novel signaling complexes that regulate the specificity for mitochondrial autophagy by mass spectrometry. Ongoing studies aim to understand the molecular mechanisms for the specific recognition of dysfunctional or surplus mitochondria for degradation by autophagy. How selective mitochondrial autophagy regulates diverse cellular functions and protects the cellular fitness and longevity are being studied.
2. The generation of immunological memory by forming immune memory cells against pathogens is essential for the success of vaccines. We are studying the molecular mechanisms governing the formation and maintenance of immune memory cells. We have discovered an essential role for autophagy in the long-term maintenance of memory B cells against influenza. We aim to characterize the molecular mechanisms for immunological memory to facilitate the development of more effective vaccines against epidemic and pandemic infections.
3. The RNA genome of HIV is reverse-transcribed into DNA and integrated into the genome of host cells, resulting in persistent infections that are difficult to clear. We have described a strategy to eradicate HIV infection by selective elimination of host cells harboring replication competent HIV (SECH). The SECH approach combines viral reactivation with induction of cell death and inhibition of autophagy to specifically delete host cells capable of producing HIV. SECH can clear HIV-1 infection in humanized mice, and in PBMCs from HIV patients. We will further investigate the efficacy and safety of SECH for HIV eradication in preclinical studies, and develop SECH as a therapeutic approach for treating people living with HIV.
Education/Academic qualification
Immunology, Postdoctoral Associate, NIH
1995 → 2001
Microbiology, PhD, University of Southern California
1990 → 1995
External positions
Professor of Immunology in Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine
2017 → …
Research Area Keywords
- Immunobiology & Inflammation
- Infectious Disease & Pathology
Free-text keywords
- Mitochondrial autophagy
- Immunological memory
- Memory B cells
- Memory T cells
- HIV cure
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
-
Regulation of Cell Death in HIV Reservoirs
Wang, J. (PI)
3/1/23 → 2/29/28
Project: Federal Funding Agencies
-
Targeting the HIV-1 Reservoir in Myeloid Cells
Wang, J. (PI) & Li, M. (Key Personnel)
7/6/21 → 5/31/26
Project: Federal Funding Agencies
-
Molecular regulation of immunity against viral infections
Wang, J. (PI)
12/1/16 → 11/30/20
Project: Federal Funding Agencies
-
Molecular Regulation of Long-term Immune Memory
Wang, J. (PI)
11/1/16 → 3/31/22
Project: Federal Funding Agencies
-
Promoting the functions of memory T cells for adoptive T cell therapy
Wang, J. (PI)
9/1/16 → 8/28/19
Project: State
-
A modeling-based approach to optimize COVID-19 vaccine dosing schedules for improved protection
Dogra, P., Schiavone, C., Wang, Z., Ruiz-Ramírez, J., Caserta, S., Staquicini, D. I., Markosian, C., Wang, J., Sostman, H. D., Pasqualini, R., Arap, W. & Cristini, V., Jul 10 2023, In: JCI insight. 8, 13, e169860.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access6 Scopus citations -
Targeting HIV-1 reservoirs in T cell subsets
Li, M., Budai, M. M., Chen, M. & Wang, J., Jan 20 2023, In: Frontiers in immunology. 14, p. 1087923 1087923.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access2 Scopus citations -
Clearance of HIV-1 or SIV reservoirs by promotion of apoptosis and inhibition of autophagy: Targeting intracellular molecules in cure-directed strategies
Chen, M., Li, M., Budai, M. M., Rice, A. P., Kimata, J. T., Mohan, M. & Wang, J., Nov 2022, In: Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 112, 5, p. 1245-1259 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
7 Scopus citations -
Mitochondrion-Mediated Cell Death through Erk1-Alox5 Independent of Caspase-9 Signaling
Chen, M., Wang, L., Li, M., Budai, M. M. & Wang, J., Oct 2022, In: Cells. 11, 19, p. 1 22 p., 3053.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access7 Scopus citations -
Protection of Quiescence and Longevity of IgG Memory B Cells by Mitochondrial Autophagy
Kodali, S., Li, M., Budai, M. M., Chen, M. & Wang, J., Mar 1 2022, In: Journal of Immunology. 208, 5, p. 1085-1098 14 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access10 Scopus citations