Dr. Liang's current research focuses on understanding of host immune
response against viral (ZIKV and SARS-CoV-2) and bacterial (Orientia tsutsugamushi)
infections. The outbreak of these diseases cause large amounts of
morbidity and mortality
in patients worldwide. Using well-established animal models and
novel immunological technologies, he and his colleagues have exploited
several immune factors (e.g., IL-17, IL-22, IL-33, IL-36 and IFN-l)
contributing to the host immunity against infection,
as well as the mechanisms of cytokine-mediated metabolic
reprogramming in immune cells. Host-pathogen interaction is considered a
highly dynamic process between diverse microbial pathogens and hosts in
all stages of pathogenic infection. Dr. Liang
is also investigating how intracellular bacteria hijack immune cells
during invasion, dissemination and long-term persistence.