Tsinghua University | China
Dr. Yang-Xin Fu is a distinguished physician-scientist renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to immunology and cancer research. With an impressive H-factor of 105 and over 41,000 citations, he stands among the top 0.1% of most-cited scientists globally. His illustrious career spans several prestigious institutions, including the University of Chicago, UT Southwestern, and currently, Tsinghua University, where he serves as an Endowed Professor and Director of the Cancer Center. Dr. Fu’s work has profoundly impacted our understanding of lymphoid tissue development, immune cell interactions, and innovative strategies for cancer immunotherapy. He is recognized for his pioneering efforts in harnessing the immune system to combat cancer, focusing on how local interventions, such as radiation, can synergize with immunotherapy to achieve systemic anti-tumor effects.
Professional profile👤
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Strengths for the Awards✨
Dr. Yang-Xin Fu is internationally recognized as a pioneering figure in immunology and oncology. With an H-index of 105 and over 41,000 citations, he ranks in the top 0.1% of cited scientists globally, underscoring his immense influence on the scientific community. His groundbreaking work in tumor immunology, particularly in cancer immunotherapy and immune modulation in the tumor microenvironment, has led to paradigm-shifting discoveries.
Key strengths include:
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Academic Excellence: Educated at prestigious institutions including the University of Miami and Washington University, Dr. Fu blends deep clinical knowledge with scientific innovation.
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Global Leadership: Holding senior academic and research leadership roles at institutions like the University of Chicago, UT Southwestern, and now Tsinghua University, where he is Director of the Cancer Center.
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Research Prowess: His publications have appeared in top-tier journals including Nature Immunology, Cancer Cell, Science Immunology, and Immunity.
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Mentorship: Trained over 50 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, many of whom are now faculty or researchers at globally respected institutions.
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Editorial Roles & Peer Recognition: Editorial duties in journals like Journal of Immunology and Cancer Immunology Research, and reviewer for leading journals and funding agencies worldwide.
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Prestigious Positions: He is a fellow or member of multiple elite societies including AAAS, AACR, and the American Association of Immunologists.
Education 🎓
Dr. Fu’s extensive educational journey laid a strong foundation for his scientific endeavors. He began his medical training at Shanghai Medical University (1978-1983) and completed an internship and residency in Allergy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (1982-1986). Driven by a passion for research, he pursued his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Miami School of Medicine (1986-1990) under the mentorship of Dr. Diana M. Lopez. Following his doctoral studies, he undertook postdoctoral training in Infectious Disease at the National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine (1991-1993) with Dr. Willi Born, and further honed his skills during a residency in Laboratory Medicine at Washington University (1994-1998), mentored by David Chaplin. This comprehensive training provided him with a unique blend of clinical expertise and deep immunological knowledge.
Experience 🔬
Dr. Fu’s professional trajectory showcases a steady rise to leadership and significant academic influence. He joined the University of Chicago in 1998 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology and Committee on Immunology, quickly becoming a full member of the Cancer Center in 2000 and achieving direct promotion to Tenured Professor in 2005. His dedication to academic excellence was further recognized with the Fanny L. Pritzker Professorship at the University of Chicago in 2015. Concurrently, he expanded his impact as a Senior Investigator of CPRIT and Professor of Pathology and Immunology at UT Southwestern, where he also held the Mary Nell and Ralph B. Rogers Professorship. Since 2021, he has been an Endowed Professor at Tsinghua University, Beijing, and in 2023, he assumed the directorship of the Cancer Center at Tsinghua Medical School, spearheading cutting-edge cancer research and treatment initiatives. His extensive teaching responsibilities across these institutions underscore his commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists and clinicians.
Research Interest On Immunology 🔍
Dr. Fu’s primary research interests lie at the intersection of immunology and cancer biology, particularly focusing on the intricate mechanisms governing anti-tumor immunity. His work delves into understanding how lymphoid tissues develop and function, the role of various immune cells in health and disease, and the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies. A significant aspect of his research investigates the synergy between local interventions, such as radiation therapy, and systemic immunotherapy to enhance anti-tumor responses and overcome treatment resistance. He explores how radiation-induced DNA damage in tumor cells can trigger innate DNA-sensing pathways in dendritic cells, thereby improving T-cell priming and systemic immunity. Furthermore, his lab investigates the potential of novel antibody-based therapies, including anti-CD47 antibodies and LIGHT fusion proteins, to activate and expand tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and convert “cold” tumors into “hot” immune-responsive ones.
Awards 🏆
Dr. Yang-Xin Fu has received numerous accolades throughout his distinguished career, recognizing his significant contributions to medical science. His early promise was acknowledged with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship for Physician Scientists in 1991 and consecutive Young Investigator Awards from ACLPS in 1996 and 1997. He further secured a prestigious Clinical Investigator Award (K08) from NIAID in 1997 and an NMSS Awardee in 1999. His international stature was highlighted by his appointment as Guest Professor and Adviser in the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2005. More recently, in 2015, he was honored with Endowed Professorships at both the University of Chicago and UT Southwestern, and received the Senior Investigator Award from CPRIT, underscoring his sustained impact and leadership in the field.
Publication 📝
Dr. Fu’s prolific publication record is a testament to his extensive research contributions, with over 41,000 citations and an H-factor of 105, placing him among the top 0.1% of most-cited scientists. A comprehensive list of his publications can be found on his NCBI profile and Google Scholar.
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Innate and adaptive immune cells in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: TF Gajewski, H Schreiber, YX Fu
Year: 2013
Citations: 4295
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Irradiation and anti–PD-L1 treatment synergistically promote antitumor immunity in mice
Authors: L Deng, H Liang, B Burnette, M Beckett, T Darga, RR Weichselbaum, et al.
Year: 2014
Citations: 2162
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STING-dependent cytosolic DNA sensing promotes radiation-induced type I interferon-dependent antitumor immunity in immunogenic tumors
Authors: L Deng, H Liang, M Xu, X Yang, B Burnette, A Arina, XD Li, H Mauceri, et al.
Year: 2014
Citations: 1990
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Therapeutic effects of ablative radiation on local tumor require CD8+ T cells: changing strategies for cancer treatment
Authors: Y Lee, SL Auh, Y Wang, B Burnette, Y Wang, Y Meng, M Beckett, et al.
Year: 2009
Citations: 1485
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Radiotherapy and immunotherapy: a beneficial liaison?
Authors: RR Weichselbaum, H Liang, L Deng, YX Fu
Year: 2017
Citations: 1004
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Commensal bacteria protect against food allergen sensitization
Authors: AT Stefka, T Feehley, P Tripathi, J Qiu, K McCoy, SK Mazmanian, et al.
Year: 2014
Citations: 962
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The efficacy of radiotherapy relies upon induction of type I interferon–dependent innate and adaptive immunity
Authors: BC Burnette, H Liang, Y Lee, L Chlewicki, NN Khodarev, et al.
Year: 2011
Citations: 936
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The aryl hydrocarbon receptor regulates gut immunity through modulation of innate lymphoid cells
Authors: J Qiu, JJ Heller, X Guo, ZE Chen, K Fish, YX Fu, L Zhou
Year: 2012
Citations: 921
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A STING-activating nanovaccine for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: M Luo, H Wang, Z Wang, H Cai, Z Lu, Y Li, M Du, G Huang, C Wang, et al.
Year: 2017
Citations: 870
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Phagocytosis checkpoints as new targets for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: M Feng, W Jiang, BYS Kim, CC Zhang, YX Fu, IL Weissman
Year: 2019
Citations: 821
Conclusion 🌟
Dr. Yang-Xin Fu’s career exemplifies a profound dedication to advancing human health through rigorous scientific inquiry and innovative translational research. From his foundational work on lymphoid tissue development to his pioneering efforts in cancer immunotherapy, his contributions have significantly broadened our understanding of immune responses and paved the way for novel therapeutic strategies. As an accomplished educator and mentor, he has shaped the careers of numerous aspiring scientists and clinicians. His current leadership role at Tsinghua University’s Cancer Center further solidifies his commitment to combating cancer on a global scale. Dr. Fu’s legacy is marked not only by his exceptional publication record and numerous accolades but also by his enduring impact on the fields of immunology and oncology, promising continued advancements in the fight against disease.
