Research Assistant Professor

Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology
sl9099@ufl.edu
PO Box 110880
2015 SW 16th Ave
Gainesville, FL 32611-0880
352-294-8290
FAX 352-392-9704
Education
- PhD, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nankai University, 2013
Research Interests
In my graduate studies, I worked on the molecular regulation of T cell signaling, especially T cell receptor-mediated calcium response. More specifically, I focused on the role of a guanine exchange factor, Vav1. Using different biochemical methods, I identified the key region of Vav1 for Calmodulin-binding. This provides new insights into the distinguished and irreplaceable role of Vav1 in T cell signal transduction.
In the Zhou lab, I pursue my interest in the mechanisms underlying autoimmune disease, especially colitis. I focus on the function of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in maintaining gut homeostasis in different contexts, including bacterial and helminth infections. I am also currently studying the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), an environmental sensor and transcription factor, in keeping the balance of ILC2 and ILC3 in the gut under steady state and inflammation.
Recent Publications
- Li, S., Bostick, J.W., and Zhou, L. (2018). Regulation of Innate Lymphoid Cells by Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor. Front Immunol 8, 1909. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01909.
- Ye, J., Qiu, J., Bostick, J. W., Ueda, A., Schjerven, H., Li, S., Jobin, C., Chen, Z. E., Zhou, L. (2017) The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Preferentially Marks and Promotes Gut Regulatory T Cells. Cell reports 21(8):2277-90.
- Li, S., Heller, J.J., Bostick, J.W., Lee, A., Schjerven, H., Kastner, P., Zhou, L. (2016) Ikaros Inhibits Group 3 Innate Lymphoid Cell Development and Function by Suppressing the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Pathway. Immunity 45 (1) 185-197.