“My research is dedicated to the investigation of T cell functional subsets, especially follicular helper T cells, and to develop therapeutic strategies to modulate T cell function, including cytokine-based immunotherapies. More recently, my team has been interested in “systems immunology” to understand heterogeneous T cell functional states and assess variable individual immune phenotypes.”
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received? “I like a Chinese saying. Its English translation can be read as “Knowledge is important, but the importance of the path is no less than the knowledge itself”. This is similar to the English saying “Knowledge is power, but wisdom is the right use of knowledge.”
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, position
Di Yu, PhD. I hold the position of Chair in Paediatric Immunotherapy and serve as the inaugural Director of the Ian Frazer Centre of Children’s Immunotherapy Research at the University of Queensland. Moreover, in my capacity as a Professor of Immunology, he heads the Systems and Translational T-cell Immunology Laboratory (STTIL) at the University of Queensland Frazer Institute.
Where did you do your training?
I received my PhD training with Prof Carola Vinuesa and Chris Goodnow at Australian National University from 2004 – 2007, followed by postdoctoral training at The Garvan Institute of Medical Research with Prof Charles Mackay from 2008-2010.
Briefly, what is your research about?
My research is dedicated to the investigation of T cell functional subsets, especially follicular helper T cells, and to develop therapeutic strategies to modulate T cell function, including cytokine-based immunotherapies. More recently, my team has been interested in “systems immunology” to understand heterogeneous T cell functional states and assess variable individual immune phenotypes.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society help your career?
Fortunately, I attended my first ICIS conference in Australia (Cytokines 2014). I immediately got fond of the meeting for its high quality, diverse topics and manageable size. I also found that ICIS is very supportive of early and middle-career scientists. I have been associated with ICIS since then. It has been ten years.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
After I joined ICIS and got to know more about it, I was surprised to realise that many of my collaborators and colleagues also played significant roles in ICIS. I’m very glad to get to know Joan Oefner, who is such an active and amazing manager.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
I certainly remember well Cytokines 2016 when I was awarded Milstein Young Investigator Award. Nevertheless, it was in Cytokines 2017 in Kanazawa, Japan where I met Joan and was invited to join the ICIS committee and got more involved in the society.
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
I would like to play badminton and travel to places with different cultures.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
I like a Chinese saying. Its English translation can be read as “Knowledge is important, but the importance of the path is no less than the knowledge itself”. This is similar to the English saying “Knowledge is power, but wisdom is the right use of knowledge.”
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
I watch very diverse TV shows. Some of my recent favourites are Attack on Titan (Japan Anime), The Long Season (Chinese Drama, Netflix) and The White Lotus season 1 (American Comedy-Drama, HBO).
What is your favorite cytokine?
My favourite cytokines are common gamma chain cytokines – IL-2 and IL-21 are my favourites.