Qing Lin, M.D., Ph.D., M.S.

As an immunologist, Dr. Qing Lin’s research focuses on the role of damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) signaling in vascular inflammation. His studies demonstrated for the first time that toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 activation enhances skin wound repair and the TLR3 activator poly(I:C) has potential therapeutic value for wound healing in humans. In corneal wound healing, his work found that the DAMP molecule high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) initiates TLR4-dependent inflammatory responses that induces pathological angiogenesis. Dr. Lin also investigated vascular remodeling in injured lung and found that HMGB1 signaling is critical for the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The long-term goal of Dr. Lin’s research is to fully elucidate the role of inflammation in abnormal vascular growth and remodeling.

Lab Summary (Principal Investigator: Qing Lin, M.D., Ph.D.)

Our lab focuses on elucidating the immuno-regulatory mechanisms in: 1) pulmonary arterial hypertension and 2) skin wound healing.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension: We seek to understand how inflammation drives the uncontrolled proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and subsequently relentless vascular remodeling in the lung. By investigating the role of damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) signaling in regulating the inflammation-to-proliferation function switch of neutrophils and macrophages, we expect to gain key insights into the contributions of these immune cells to pulmonary vascular inflammation and remodeling.

Skin wound healing: Wound therapy remains a clinical challenge. Large burns or impaired-healing diabetic ulcers require enhanced wound repair. Human scarring following trauma or surgery is another major medical problem. Addressing the complex post-injury immune response is critical to defining an effective therapy for both repair and regeneration. We are particularly interested in understanding whether and how vascular inflammation influences the balance between fibrotic and regenerative skin wound healing.

Our overarching goal is to elucidate the wound healing mechanisms in lung and skin, and develop better strategies and novel targets for treatment of vascular inflammation-related diseases including pulmonary arterial hypertension, skin wounds, and systemic sclerosis.