Dr. Yun Liang Joins IIT-Affiliated Faculty

February 3, 2025

The IIT is pleased to welcome Dr. Yun Liang as an affiliated faculty member. Dr. Liang is an assistant professor in the Department of Physiology and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. She received her B.S. in Biological Sciences in 2007 from Tsinghua University. Liang completed her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from University of California San Diego and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in 2013. She completed her postdoctoral training from 2015 to 2018 at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Liang's research is focused on understanding the pathogenic mechanism of autoimmune diseases. Many autoimmune diseases feature increased prevalence in females (~78% female overall and up to ~95% female for specific diseases). However, the disease can be more severe in male patients. Dr. Liang and her laboratory aim to understand fundamental differences in the immune system between males and females to ultimately find prevention and treatment options for chronic inflammation and autoimmunity.

Studies indicate that both genetic and environmental factors contribute significantly to autoimmune pathogenesis. Recent findings in Liang's lab suggest that toxic chemicals such as Benzo[a]pyrene cause molecular changes that may help explain the increased risk of end organ damage in autoimmune diseases. Liang and her team are actively looking for ways that can prevent or reverse the immunological damages caused by environmental toxins. 

To learn more about Dr. Liang, please visit: directory/liang-yun.