Prof. Xiao-Lian Zhang | Immunotechnology | Best Researcher Award
Immunology at Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School | Best Researcher Award
Prof. Xiao-Lian Zhang is an eminent immunologist and distinguished professor at Wuhan University, recognized globally for her pioneering work on infection, immunity, and glycobiology. She currently serves as the Hongyi and Luojia Distinguished Professor, Chairman of the Department of Immunology, and Professor at the State Key Laboratory of Virology, where she leads major research initiatives on host–pathogen interactions, vaccines, and immune evasion strategies. Her work has significantly shaped the understanding of intracellular pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and hepatitis viruses, and her research outputs place her among the most influential scientists in infection and immunity.
Profile
Orcid
Education
Prof. Xiao-Lian Zhang earned her PhD in Biochemistry from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology between, where she developed expertise in molecular immunology. She then pursued postdoctoral research training at the University of Maryland, College Park, USA, from, where she specialized in infection and immunity with a focus on molecular mechanisms of host–pathogen interactions. These academic experiences established the foundation for her future leadership in immunological research.
Experience
Throughout her career,Prof. Xiao-Lian Zhang has assumed prominent leadership positions that reflect her academic distinction. She is currently the director of the Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergic and Immune-related Diseases and has overseen multiple national-level research programs, including China’s Major Infectious Disease Programs under the Eleventh, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Five-Year Plans, as well as the Program. She has also been entrusted with key research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, further reinforcing her position as a leader in the field. With publications and more patents (granted), her experience demonstrates an exceptional balance of academic, research, and translational innovation.
Research Interest
Her core research interests span infection and immunity of intracellular pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C viruses, and typhoid. She has a particular focus on glyco-immunity, lectins such as ficolin-2/A, vaccine design, immune evasion mechanisms, and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Her group has advanced the understanding of glycobiology in immune recognition, while also uncovering new pathways by which pathogens exploit glycan modifications to evade immune responses. These interests bridge fundamental molecular biology with clinical application, reflecting her dedication to translational immunology.
Award
Prof. Xiao-Lian Zhang has received numerous prestigious awards in recognition of her scientific excellence. She is a recipient of the National Outstanding Young Scientist Fund and has been honored as a national-level talent under the New Century Million Talent Project. She has also been named both “Hongyi Scholar” and “Luojia Scholar,” distinguished honors at Wuhan University, underscoring her contributions to science and academia. Additionally, her work has been repeatedly ranked among the top 2% of global research outputs by Faculty, further validating her international impact.
Publication Top Notes
Prof. Zhang’s contributions are reflected in her publications across top-tier journals such as Science Advances, Nature Communications, Journal of Immunology, and Nucleic Acids Research. Selected works include:
Title: Ficolin-A Protects Against Allergic Asthma via Suppressing ILC2-Driven Type 2 Inflammation.
Year: 2025
Citations: in studies on innate lymphoid cell regulation.
Title: EGFR Core Fucosylation Induced by Hepatitis C Virus Promotes TRIM40-Mediated RIG-I Ubiquitination and Suppresses Interferon-I Antiviral Defenses.
Year: 2024
Citations: in antiviral immunity research.
Title: Rapid Degradation of DHX36 Revealing its Transcriptional Role by Interacting with G-quadruplex.
Year: 2024
Citations: by molecular biology studies on G-quadruplex regulation.
Title: Lnc-EST12 Suppresses Anti-mycobacterial Innate Immunity Through Its Interaction with FUBP3.
Year: 2022
Citations: by tuberculosis immunity research.
Ttile: Mycobacterial EST12 Activates a RACK1-NLRP3-Gasdermin D Pyroptosis-IL-1β Immune Pathway.
Year: 2020
Citations: in inflammasome and pyroptosis studies.
Title: Binding of Cellular Nucleolin with the Viral Core RNA G-Quadruplex Structure Suppresses HCV Replication.
Year: 2019
Citations: in viral replication mechanism research.
Title: Foundational works in immune evasion strategies of intracellular pathogens – Journal of Immunology – Frequently cited in reviews on host–pathogen interactions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prof. Xiao-Lian Zhang stands as a global leader in immunological sciences, known for her pioneering discoveries in infection, glycobiology, and immunity. Her ability to integrate basic science with translational applications has led to significant advancements in vaccine design, diagnostic innovation, and therapeutic strategies against infectious diseases. With an outstanding publication record, prestigious awards, and leadership in national and international research initiatives, she continues to shape the future of infection and immunity research, serving as both a role model and trailblazer for the next generation of scientists.