Research Projects
Molecular and Immunological Pathogenic Mechanisms of Renal Inflammation and Fibrosis in Lupus Nephritis


Programme(s) to which this project applies:
☑ MPhil/PhD ☒ MRes[Med] ☒ URIS

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a debilitating autoimmune disease characterized by a loss of self-tolerance, autoantibody production and immune-mediated tissue injury. Although SLE can affect multiple organs, kidney involvement, termed lupus nephritis, is one of the most severe forms of organ involvement in SLE and is an important cause of both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Current standard-of-care treatment for lupus nephritis entails high-dose corticosteroids and an immunosuppressive agent but treatment is associated with considerable short-term and long-term side-effects that are related to the non-specific anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions.

Our studies aim to investigate the molecular and immunological mechanisms that mediate pathogenesis of disease using animal studies and in vitro studies. A greater understanding of disease pathogenesis and the identification of key pathways and molecules that contribute to lupus nephritis may allow for the development of novel therapeutic agents for lupus nephritis.

Professor DTM Chan, Department of Medicine

Biography
dtmchan@hku.hk

For more information or to express interest for this project, please email the supervisor or the specified contact point in the project description.  Interested candidates are advised to enclose with your email:

  1. your CV,
  2. a brief description of your research interest and experience, and
  3. two reference letters (not required for HKUMed UG students seeking MRes[Med]/URIS projects).

Information on the research programme, funding support and admission documentations could be referenced online at the Research Postgraduate Admissions website. General admission enquiries should be directed to rpgmed@hku.hk.

HKUMed MBBS students interested in the Master of Research in Medicine (MRes[Med]) programme may visit the programme website for more information.  

HKUMed UG students interested in the Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme (URIS) may visit the scheme’s website for more information. 

Research @ Department of Medicine