Research Projects
Pathogenesis and Therapeutics Development in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus


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

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disorder that predominantly affect young females. Immunologically, SLE is characterized by a loss of tolerance to self-antigens, T and B cell activation, and elevated pathogenic autoantibody production. The aetiology of SLE is highly complex with interplay of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. This also entails heterogeneity in clinical manifestations. Our team has previously identified phenotypic, functional abnormalities as well as the underlying mechanisms in various immune cellular compartments in SLE patients. Through understanding the underlying causes of cellular and molecular immunodysregulation in SLE, we aim to identify potential therapeutic targets for exploitation in clinical settings. Our current research projects focus on the following areas:

  1. Development of biomarkers and therapeutics for SLE
  2. Development of patient-specific stem cells (EPSCs) for mechanistic study and drug screening

Professor WCS Lau, Department of Medicine

Biography
HKU Scholars Hub
cslau@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