Xiaoping Zhong

Professor of Pediatrics
Xiaoping Zhong
Xiaoping Zhong

Overview

The immune system protects the host from microbial infection but can cause diseases if not properly controlled. My lab is interested in the receptor signaling mediated regulation of immune cell development and function as well as the pathogenesis and treatment of autoimmune diseases and allergies.

We are currently investigating the roles diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) and TSC1/2-mTOR play in the immune system. DGKs are a family of ten enzymes that catalyze the conversion of diacylglycerol (DAG) to phosphatidic acid (PA), Both DAG and PA are important second messengers involved signaling from numerous receptors. While we expect DGKs to perform important roles in development and cellular function by modulating DAG and PA levels, the physiologic functions of DGKs have been poorly understood. Using cell line models and genetically manipulated mice, we have demonstrated that DGKα and ζ isoforms play critical roles in: T cell development, activation, and anergy by regulating T cell receptor signaling; FcεRI signaling and mast cell function; and Toll-like receptor signaling and innate immune responses.

Research areas that we are actively pursuing include:
1. The mechanisms that control T cell maturation, activation
and self-tolerance.
2. NKT cell development and function.
3. Thymic epithelial cells and thymic development, function, and involution.
4. Regulation of Toll-like receptor signaling and innate immunity. 
5. The pathogenesis and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. 
6. Mast cell development and function.
7. The pathogenesis and immunotherapy for peanut allergy.

Positions

Professor of Pediatrics in the School of Medicine

2016 School of Medicine

Professor of Integrative Immunobiology in the School of Medicine

2017 School of Medicine

Member of the Duke Cancer Institute in the School of Medicine

2004 School of Medicine

Education

M.D. 1985

1985 First Medical College in Guangzhou (China)

Ph.D. 1997

1997 Duke University

Publications, Grants & Awards

Offices & Contact

Box 2644 Med Ctr, Div. Pediatric Allergy & Immunology
Durham, NC
27710
Rm 133 MSRB, Research Drive
Durham, NC
27710