Xue-Zhong Yu, MD, MS, is a Professor in Immunology and Hematology. Dr. Yu has his primary appointment in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and a secondary appointment in the Division of Hematology/Oncology in the Department of Medicine at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). He also holds the Robert Stuart distinguished endowed chair in Stem Cell Biology and Therapy supported by the SmartState Economic Excellence Programs. Dr. Yu’s research focuses on the biology of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The ultimate goal of these studies is to prevent or treat GVHD while preserving GVL effect, which could greatly enhance the therapeutic potential of HSCT. Dr. Yu’s research is currently supported by four R01 grants from the National Institute of Health. Dr. Yu and his team have made significant contributions to understand how T-cell activation, costimulation and differentiation regulate GVHD development and GVL activity. While the focus and the ultimate goal remain the same, the current research in Dr. Yu’s laboratory also extends to the areas of micro-RNA regulation, metabolism and microbiota.

T-cell activation, costimulation and differentiation regulate GVHD development and GVL activity, micro-RNA regulation, metabolism and microbiota