Invited Speakers
  • Won-Woo Lee
    Seoul Nat'l Univ.
    Korea
  • My laboratory is dedicated to elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning dysfunctional immune responses, particularly on pathogenic Th17 cells and inflammatory monocytes/macrophages in patients with autoimmune disorders. We are also investigating the mechanisms contributing to age-related immune degeneracy or immunosenescence, in humans. My PhD and postdoctoral training have provided me with a robust foundation in immunology, with specialized expertise in immunosenescence and autoimmunity.

    Our current research involves analyzing immune response abnormalities, particularly focusing on T cells and monocytes/macrophages, in clinical samples from patients with various acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. We employ a range of advanced techniques in molecular and cellular immunology, alongside bioinformatics analyses and mouse models, to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we engage in collaborative efforts with clinicians from multiple hospitals to explore correlations between immune responses and clinical symptoms. Our ultimate goal is to develop and propose novel therapeutic interventions that can benefit patients.

    Our research encompasses four key areas: 1) Investigating the pathogenic roles of monocytes/macrophage/microglia in both acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, including the definition and implications of trained immunity; 2) Examining how IL-1β/IL-1 receptor interactions shape T cell responses, including those of Th17 cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs); 3) Exploring the regulatory roles of Solute Carrier (SLC) transporters as critical regulators of immunometabolism; and 4) Understanding age-related changes in the immune system, especially through metaboloepigenetics-based control of immune aging. I am a faculty member in the PhD program in Biomedical Sciences, the Interdisciplinary Program of Cancer Biology, and the Program in Translational Medicine.
    Research & Clinical Focus

    Human immunology

    Autoimmunity

    Immunosenescence

    Immunometabolism

    SLC transporters

    • Date Time Room Session Title Lecture Title
    May 16 13:00-13:30 Room 1 (3F) International Symposium 3_Geriatrics in Rheumatology: How to Optimize the Treatment for Aging Patients The immune system's twilight: Immunosenescence and inflammaging as interconnected phenomena