PhD
William Rand Kenan Professor of Genetics
Director, Center for Translational Immunology
UNC-Chapel Hill
Immunology and Immunotherapy Research Program
Area of Interest
Analysis of the NLR gene family
A major focus is the study of NLR genes in diseases, ranging from inflammatory disorders, cancer and infectious diseases. We are working with multiple labs across campus to assess the roles of NLRs in diseases. One of our unique discoveries is that many NLRs are negative regulators of inflammation. As a consequence, their dysregulation can lead to immunologic imbalance. For example, NLR-X1 reduces inflammation that promotes cancer growth. This gene is downregulated in colon cancer and colitis in humans, and conventional anti-inflammatory therapeutics can be repurposed to combat cancer or colitis resulting from low NLR-X1 in mouse models. We also find that negative NLRs maintain tolerance to microbiome and prevent microbiome imbalance. Importantly, restoring specific bacteria order restores colon health suggesting a therapeutic path forward.
Usage of innate immune agonists as vaccine adjuvant
We are working to explore the use of nano-particles and micro-particles to deliver innate immune agonists that can control immunity. We have used these agonists to mode the immune response as to elicit superior immunity for the development of vaccines for cancer and infectious viruses. We will continue to focus on difficult-to-treat cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer and high impact infections such as influenza, Dengue and Zika viruses.
Learn more about our research on the Ting Lab website
Awards and Honors
- Lifetime Achievement Award, American Association of Immunologists, 2026
- Highly Cited Researchers (Top 1%), Web of Science, Clarivate Analytics, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
- Distinguished Fellow, American Association of Immunologists, 2023
- Elected to the National Academy of Sciences, USA, 2022
- Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2022
- Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement, University of North Carolina, 2022
- ICIS-Pfizer Award for Excellence in Interferon and Cytokine Research, 2021
- American Association of Immunologists, Vice President 2019-2020; President 2020-2021
- NCI Outstanding Investigator Award, 2019-2026
- Hyman L. Battle Distinguished Cancer Research Award, 2016
- Thomas Reuter Highly Cited Researcher, 2015, 2016
- Academia Sinica, Taiwan, elected member, 2015
- Henry Kunkel Society, elected member, 2015
- University Award for the Advancement of Women, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2013
- American Association of Immunologists Centennial Conference, Distinguished Lecturer, 2013
- American Association of Immunologists Life Technologies Meritorious Award, 2013
News and Stories
UNC Lineberger researchers among world’s most influential in Clarivate 2025 Highly Cited Researchers list
Eleven UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center members were named as 2025 Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate for publishing some of the most influential scientific papers during the past decade.
UNC Lineberger members recognized for highly cited research
Nine UNC Lineberger members wrote some of the most influential scientific papers in the past decade, according to an independent analysis of research publications.
