Dr. De-Wei Lai is an accomplished Associate Researcher at the Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan. With a strong foundation in applied chemistry and immunology, he has dedicated his career to unraveling the complexities of regulatory T cells in diverse pathological conditions. Dr. Lai’s research spans autoimmunity, regenerative medicine, and the tumor microenvironment, with a focus on innovative immunotherapeutic strategies. His expertise integrates modern molecular techniques with natural extracts and traditional Chinese medicine, aiming to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. With over 19 SCI/SCIE-indexed publications, 27 editorial appointments, and 16 awards, Dr. Lai has established himself as a leading voice in immunological research. His work, characterized by precision and translational potential, continues to shape the future of immunotherapy.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. De-Wei Lai completed his undergraduate studies in Applied Chemistry at National Pingtung University, where he developed a deep interest in cellular metabolism and biochemical signaling pathways. He later pursued a Ph.D. in Immunology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic retinopathy, which culminated in a groundbreaking publication in Circulation Research. His academic journey is marked by excellence in understanding complex immunological pathways and leveraging this knowledge for practical medical applications.
Professional Experience
Dr. Lai began his research career in 2019 at Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, where he studied the isolation, cultivation, and functional analysis of regulatory T cells (Tregs). His work laid the foundation for significant advancements in immunotherapy. In 2024, he joined Taichung Veterans General Hospital, where he expanded his focus to include molecular mechanisms of Tregs in autoimmune diseases, regenerative medicine, and tumor microenvironments. Throughout his career, Dr. Lai has consistently contributed to high-impact research, addressing critical gaps in clinical immunology and advancing innovative therapeutic strategies.
Research Interests
Dr. Lai’s research interests lie at the intersection of immunotherapy, molecular biology, and regenerative medicine. His laboratory explores the molecular mechanisms of regulatory T cells in autoimmune diseases, age-related degenerative conditions, and cancer. Recently, Dr. Lai has extended his work to study the potential of natural extracts, traditional Chinese medicine, and metal-organic nanoparticles as modulators of the immune system. By integrating experimental models with clinical big data, his research aims to develop novel diagnostic tools and immunotherapeutic strategies that address pressing medical challenges.
Research Skills
Dr. Lai possesses a robust skill set in immunological research and molecular biology. His expertise includes regulatory T cell isolation and expansion, animal model development for autoimmune diseases, and the study of tumor microenvironments. He is proficient in advanced techniques such as flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and molecular signaling analysis. His interdisciplinary approach also incorporates the evaluation of natural compounds and nanoparticles for therapeutic applications. With strong analytical skills and an eye for innovation, Dr. Lai excels in bridging basic research with translational medicine.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Lai’s contributions to immunological research have been widely recognized. He has received 16 awards and recognitions, highlighting his impact in both academic and clinical settings. These honors reflect his groundbreaking discoveries in T cell biology, innovative therapeutic approaches, and commitment to advancing immunotherapy. His editorial appointments in 27 journals and conferences further underscore his standing in the scientific community as a trusted authority in immunological research. Dr. Lai’s dedication to addressing clinical challenges continues to earn him accolades and inspire future research efforts.
Conclusion
Dr. De-Wei Lai is an excellent candidate for the Best Scholar Award due to his exceptional research achievements, dedication to addressing clinical challenges, and innovative approach to immunotherapy. While he excels in academic publication and editorial roles, areas like project leadership, patents, and international collaborations offer room for growth. Overall, his contributions to immunology and translational medicine make him a strong contender for this recognition.
Publications Top Notes
- Melatonin set out to ER stress signaling thwarts epithelial mesenchymal transition and peritoneal dissemination via calpain‐mediated C/EBP β and NF κ B cleavage
- Authors: SM Wu, WY Lin, CC Shen, HC Pan, W Keh‐Bin, YC Chen, YJ Jan, DW Lai, …
- Journal: Journal of Pineal Research, 60 (2), 142-154
- Year: 2016
- Citations: 98
- Honokiol confers immunogenicity by dictating calreticulin exposure, activating ER stress, and inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
- Authors: SH Liu, WJ Lee, DW Lai, SM Wu, CY Liu, HR Tien, CS Chiu, YC Peng, …
- Journal: Molecular Oncology, 9 (4), 834-849
- Year: 2015
- Citations: 64
- Honokiol thwarts gastric tumor growth and peritoneal dissemination by inhibiting Tpl2 in an orthotopic model
- Authors: HC Pan, DW Lai, KH Lan, CC Shen, SM Wu, CS Chiu, KB Wang, …
- Journal: Carcinogenesis, 34 (11), 2568-2579
- Year: 2013
- Citations: 45
- Aryl hydrocarbon receptor deficiency attenuates oxidative stress-related mesangial cell activation and macrophage infiltration and extracellular matrix accumulation in diabetic nephropathy
- Authors: WJ Lee, SH Liu, CK Chiang, SY Lin, KW Liang, CH Chen, HR Tien, …
- Journal: Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 24 (4), 217-231
- Year: 2016
- Citations: 44
- The novel Aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibitor biseugenol inhibits gastric tumor growth and peritoneal dissemination
- Authors: DW Lai, SH Liu, AI Karlsson, WJ Lee, KB Wang, YC Chen, CC Shen, …
- Journal: Oncotarget, 5 (17), 7788
- Year: 2014
- Citations: 43
- Exploiting Honokiol-induced ER stress CHOP activation inhibits the growth and metastasis of melanoma by suppressing the MITF and β-catenin pathways
- Authors: CS Chiu, CH Tsai, MS Hsieh, SC Tsai, YJ Jan, WY Lin, DW Lai, SM Wu, …
- Journal: Cancer Letters, 442, 113-125
- Year: 2019
- Citations: 42
- TPL2 (therapeutic targeting tumor progression locus-2)/ATF4 (activating transcription factor-4)/SDF1α (chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-α) axis suppresses diabetic retinopathy
- Authors: DW Lai, KH Lin, WHH Sheu, MR Lee, CY Chen, WJ Lee, YW Hung, …
- Journal: Circulation Research, 121 (6), e37-e52
- Year: 2017
- Citations: 37
- Attenuation of in vitro and in vivo melanin synthesis using a Chinese herbal medicine through the inhibition of tyrosinase activity
- Authors: SC Liu, ML Sheu, YC Tsai, YC Lin, CW Chang, DW Lai
- Journal: Phytomedicine, 95, 153876
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 22
- Melatonin protects retinal integrity through mediated immune homeostasis in the sodium iodate-induced mouse model of age-related macular degeneration
- Authors: LC Ku, ML Sheu, HH Cheng, CY Lee, YC Tsai, CY Tsai, KH Lin, LC Lai, …
- Journal: Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 161, 114476
- Year: 2023
- Citations: 10
- AHR/TET2/NT5E axis downregulation is associated with the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus and its progression
- Authors: HH Cheng, L Hung‐Ke, ML Sheu, CY Lee, YC Tsai, DW Lai
- Journal: Immunology, 168 (4), 654-670
- Year: 2023
- Citations: 8