Hong lab

Inter-individual heterogeneity in immune response is well recognized. Studies with twins found that environmental factors play more dominant role over genetic factors in the establishment of immune cell composition and function. Particularly, various early-life environment has been recognized to affect long-term immune cell composition and function. We are interested in the mechanism of long-term immune programming by various perinatal environmental factors. Upon exposure to various environmental factors, physiological responses are initiated, which are largely mediated by various endocrine hormones and metabolites. These factors promote proper energy and resource allocation to activate appropriate body program for the adaptation. Immune responses are also regulated with the same signals. We pursue the integrative understanding of the rationale in this interaction between immune responses and physiological changes. We adopt 'life history theory' as our theoretical basis to understand this interaction. Furthermore, we ask whether long-term immune programming is possible with the early modulation of these physiological factors. To understand the long-term programming by early-life environmental factors, we adopted the idea of developmental plasticity as a theoretical basis for our study. Developmental plasticity is a process of adaptation reported in various species. In this process, environmental factors directly affect the development of phenotypes that is suitable for the adaptation to predicted environment. Due to the irreversible nature of expressed phenotype, it can have long-term consequences. We pursue the understanding of the rationale and mechanism of long-term programming of phenotype by early environmental exposure. Persistent immune modulation with specific p