My research focuses on immune metabolism and cancer microenvironment, and as a surgeon-scientist in training, I am deeply interested in improving the outcomes of liver cancer patients. Regarding my hobbies, I really like swimming. Lastly, the best advice I’ve received is that life is an experience. This simple yet profound statement reminds me to embrace and learn from every moment, both in my personal life and in my career.
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
Yingcheng Wu, M.D. I work at Fudan University, and I am a Fu Ching Yen Scholar M.D., Ph.D. Candidate.
Where did you do your training?
At Fudan University; Chinese Academy of Sciences
Briefly, what is your research about?
My research focuses on immune metabolism and cancer microenvironment.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
The Global Immunotalks, in particular, have played a significant role in my transition from a medical student to a surgeon-scientist in training. These talks have exposed me to cutting-edge research in the field of immunology and have provided me with the opportunity to learn from and connect with leading immunology experts from around the world.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
I would like to express my special thanks to my mentor, Dr. Qiang Gao, for his unwavering guidance and support. Although his mentorship did not stem directly from a Cytokines meeting, it was his cytokine research that initially sparked my interest in this field. At the very beginning of my research career, I came across one of Dr. Gao’s seminal papers on cytokines, which left a lasting impression on me and inspired me to delve deeper into this fascinating area of study.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
Although I have not yet had the opportunity to attend an on-site Cytokines meeting due to the ongoing pandemic and my clinical training commitments, I have thoroughly enjoyed the virtual Global Immunotalks. I have made it a point to watch almost every Immunotalk, and I find them truly inspiring. The diversity of topics covered, and the enthusiasm of the speakers have fueled my passion for cytokine research and have motivated me to pursue my research goals with renewed vigor.
One talk that particularly resonated with me was the one about interferons. As a surgeon-scientist in training, I am deeply interested in improving the outcomes of liver cancer patients. The talk inspired me to rethink our routine liver cancer immunotherapy treatment, which sometimes combines interferon with anti-PD-1 antibodies. It highlighted the importance of understanding the complex interplay between interferons and the immune system in the context of cancer, and it motivated me to explore novel strategies to optimize the efficacy of interferon-based therapies.
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
I really like swimming.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is that life is an experience. This simple yet profound statement reminds me to embrace and learn from every moment, both in my personal life and in my career. It encourages me to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to approach my research with an open mind and a willingness to adapt and evolve.
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
I highly recommend the book “Sophie’s World” by Jostein Gaarder. This philosophical novel presents a fascinating crosstalk between philosophy and science, exploring the history of Western philosophy through the eyes of a young girl named Sophie. The book’s engaging narrative and thought-provoking ideas have challenged me to think more deeply about the nature of reality and the role of scientific inquiry in understanding our world.
What is your favorite cytokine?
My favorite cytokine is CCL18.
Reach Yingcheng on Twitter/X @Charles_Y_Wu