Currently, I am still undergoing training in Professor You-Me Kim’s laboratory at KAIST, where I am investigating to reveal the novel function of eosinophils and how they are regulated. Cytokines 2023 in Athens marked my second international conference experience. Initially, conversing with foreigners felt incredibly awkward and daunting, but the atmosphere at the cytokine meeting was much friendlier. There seemed to be more opportunities for engaging in conversations and building connections, which positively influenced my decision to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship abroad.
1. Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
I am Jihyun Yu, and I am a student in integrated master’s and doctoral program
Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering (GSMSE) department in Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).
2. Where did you do your training?
I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree from Chung-Ang University in South Korea, where I was first introduced to immunology. Currently, I am still undergoing training in Professor You-Me Kim’s laboratory at KAIST.
3. Briefly, what is your research about?
I am investigating to reveal the novel function of eosinophils and how they are regulated. Eosinophils are really mysterious cells because of the difficulties in RNA work, cell isolation, and short lifespan. Consequently, research on eosinophil subsets and functions lags behind that of other immune cells. While the absence of these cells may not be fatal, eosinophil dysfunction certainly impacts disease progression. Lately, I’ve been fascinated by GPR43, a potential regulator of eosinophils that’s one of the receptors for short-chain fatty acids. Despite the fact that eosinophils highly express GPR43, we’re still in the dark about how it exactly influences them.
4. Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
The cytokine meeting marked my second international conference experience. Initially, conversing with foreigners felt incredibly awkward and daunting, but the atmosphere at the cytokine meeting was much friendlier. There seemed to be more opportunities for engaging in conversations and building connections, which positively influenced my decision to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship abroad. Moreover, being honored with the 2023 ICIS-Pfizer Trainee Award for Most Promising Research at the Cytokines 2023 Conference provided me with a valuable opportunity to showcase my abilities.
5. Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
I interacted with other awardees and posed questions following presentations by other researchers. I aspire to establish deeper and longer-lasting relationships, meeting colleagues who can mutually support each other as we progress further.
6. What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
For me, it was my first time attending a cytokine meeting in Athens. The presentations were really engaging, and I could feel the passion of the other researchers. It was heartwarming to receive some encouraging words from senior researchers after my talk. Plus, it was such a treat to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and take in the beautiful sights of Athens after the meeting.
7. What do you like to do when not in the lab?
I enjoy playing badminton with our lab members. Additionally, I cherish the moments spent talking with my friends in other research groups while eating delicious food. Sometimes, I visit my parents who always miss me and provide encouragement.
8. What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
The most efficient way to save lives is through biomedical research.
9. What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
Recently, I watched the Korean drama ‘Melancholia’. It was a story of two people who love mathematics purely, nurturing each other’s passion for academia and growing together. The drama made me reflect on my love for science.
10. What is your favorite cytokine?
Currently, my favorite cytokine is IL-33. During my research, I was surprised whenever I found various roles of this cytokine in granulocytes. Among the three representative alarmins including TSLP, and IL-25, the effect of IL-33 was the fastest, and strongest in several experiments. It is also interesting that not only epithelial cells but also some immune cells can produce this cytokine. All of these things make me think that this cytokine is special.