Biography:

Prof. Shu Zhu, Executive Dean of Division of Life Science and Medicine at USTC, specializes in intestinal immunity and microbiome-based therapies. He has published over 80 papers in Nature, Science, Cell, Immunity, Cell Host Microbe and Nature BME (11,000+ citations, H-index: 45) and serves as a reviewer for Nature and Cell. His contributions to science have been recognized by a series of national talent scholarships, MIT Technology Review’s 35 Innovators Under 35 China, and Cell Press 50 Scientists that Inspire.

Research Interest:

Our research investigates intestinal immune recognition and homeostasis, exploring how the gut senses and responds to pathogens, dietary antigens, and microbial metabolites. We aim to uncover the mechanisms that maintain immune balance, induce tolerance, or drive disease. This work has significant applications for understanding inflammation, cancer, and microbiota-targeted therapies.

What You Can Expect in the Project:

During the internship, students will study intestinal immunity, focusing on how epithelial and immune cell receptors sense viral signals, dietary antigens, and microbial metabolites to regulate immune homeostasis, tolerance, and inflammation. Projects may include investigating NLRP6-mediated IL-18/IFN pathways, the role of microbial metabolites in diseases like IBD and colorectal cancer, and developing microbiota-targeted therapies. Students will apply molecular biology techniques, omics analyses, and mouse models to explore gut immune mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.

Desired skill and background:

Students with an interest in intestinal immunity and a background in immunology or microbiology are preferred. Basic lab skills and a strong willingness to learn are essential.