The laboratory is focused on understanding the mechanism of transcription regulation networks that lead to the differentiation of Th17 and Treg cells. In particular, they are interested in the interplay among the transcription factors or signal pathways in programming Th17 and Treg cell differentiation and how they culminate in distinct functional outcomes.
Current project in the laboratory include identifying the regulatory factors that modulate Th17 lineage specific transcription factor RORgt expression; defining the relationship between the factors and TGF-beta and proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 or IL21 signaling; exploring the precise mechanism of the transcription factors in regulating Th17 and Treg cell differentiation. Besides, genetically altered mouse model will be used to study the role of the transcription factors in Th17 cell mediated autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases. Ultimately, they hope that the elucidation of these mechanisms will aid in the development of novel targeted-molecule that therapeutically correct immune dysfunction to control pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.

Ph.D. ---Immunology- Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Beijing, China     1998-2001
M.Sc. ---Microbiology & Immunology- Xinjiang Agriculture University, Xinjiang, China     1986-1989
B.S.   ---Shihez University, Xinjiang, China     1982-1986

IRTA Fellow : Laboratory of Host Defense (LHD)/NIAID/NIH. Sep 2006-present
• Investigating the transcriptional regulation of Th17 cell differentiation and colitis
• Collaborate working on an innate immunity (macrophage) project (Mentor: Dr. Warren Strober)
Research Fellow : Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Jan.2002-May 2006
• Studying the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate IFN-γ transcription in Th1 cells (Mentor: Dr. Mark Boothby)
Ph.D. Candidate : Chinese Academy of preventive medicine Sep 1998-2001
• Investigate Prion disease (Mentor: Dr. Xiaoping Dong )
Instructor : Xinjiang Agriculture University, Xinjiang, China. July 1989- July 1998
• Study Rotavirus and Lentivirus.

1. Zhang, F., Strober, W.(2011).Transcription of RORgt in developing Th17 cells is regulated by E proteins. Submited
2. Meng, G., Zhang, F., Fuss, I., Kitani, A., and Strober, W. (2009) A Mutation in the Nlrp3 Gene Causing Inflammasome Hyperactivation Potentiates Th17 Cell-Dominant Immune Responses. Immunity 30 860-874 .
3. Zhang, F., Meng, G. and Strobe, W. (2008) Interactions among transcription factors Runx1, ROR？t and Foxp3 regulate differentiation of interleukin17-producing T cells. Nature Immunology 9 :1297-1306.
4. Zhang, F. and Boothby, M. (2006) Th1-specific Brg1 recruitment and remodeling of nucleosomes positioned at IFN-γ promoter is STAT4-dependent. Journal of Experimental Medicine 203:1493-1505.
5. Corn, R.A., Aronica M.A., Zhang, F. et al. (2003) T cell-intrinsic requirement for NF-kappa B induction in post differentiation IFN-gamma production and clonal expansion in a Th1 response Journal of Immunology 171(4), 1816-1824.
6. Zhang, F., Zhang, J., Zhou, W. et al. (2002) Expression of PrPc as His-fusion form in a baculovirus system and conversion of expressed PrP-sen to PrP-res in cell-free system. Virus Research 87 145-153.
7. Zhang, F., Dong, X., Zhou, W. et al. (2002) Cloning and expression of S100 protein and establishment method to test S100 protein. Chinese Journal of Experiment medicine (1) 48-55.
8. Zhang, F., Dong, X., Sun, X. et al. (2000) Preparation and primary application of 14-3-3 specific polyclonal antibody, Chinese Journal of Neurology, 33(5) 331-335.
9. Zhang, F., Dong, X., Zhao, X. et al. (1999) cDNA cloning and expression in prokaryotic cells of neuron protein 14-3-3beta. Chinese Journal of Neurology 32(4): 230-233.
10. Zhang, F., Deng. P., Men, Q.et al. (1998) The shift of sequential antibody response to ovine lentivirus in Xinjiang Merino sheep. Chinese Journal of Veterinary Medicine 24(3): 7-9.
11. Zhang, F., Deng, P. Men, Q. et al. (1998) Isolation and identification of ovine Lentivirus (OvLv) from naturally infected Xinjiang Merino sheep. Chinese Journal of Animal and Poultry Infectious Diseases. 20(2): 68-70.

Investigating the transcriptional regulation of Th17 cell differentiation and colitis .

Mucosal Immunology annual meeting.       Nov. 2008
Gene expression & signaling in the immune system.     May 2004.

已指导学生

韩小娟  博士研究生  100102-免疫学  

芝世鹏  硕士研究生  071010-生物化学与分子生物学  

黄华镕  硕士研究生  077802-免疫学  

刘宏涛  博士研究生  100102-免疫学  

刘馨远  硕士研究生  100102-免疫学  

刘丹丹  博士研究生  100102-免疫学  

曹凯悦  硕士研究生  100102-免疫学  

季苗  硕士研究生  085238-生物工程  

钱琦琪  硕士研究生  077802-免疫学  

现指导学生

翟笑雨  博士研究生  100102-免疫学  

刘翔文  博士研究生  100102-免疫学  

李超  博士研究生  100102-免疫学  

吴越鑫  博士研究生  100102-免疫学  

周兆琦  博士研究生  100102-免疫学  

石艺璇  硕士研究生  086000-生物与医药  

陈信  博士研究生  100102-免疫学  

史圆圆  硕士研究生  077802-免疫学  

康宇尘  博士研究生  100102-免疫学