Journal of Clinical and Cellular Immunology
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9899
ISSN: 2155-9899
Wei X-Q
Department of Tissue Engineering and Reparative Dentistry
School of Dentistry
Cardiff University
UK
Dr. Xiao-Qing Wei graduated in medicine from the Medical School of Peking Univeristy (Beijing Medical University) in Beijing, China, and worked in the Beijing Hepatitis Research Institute of Youan Hospital, where he carried out research on infectious diseases, particularly hepatitis. He joined an immunology group at the University of Glasgow to investigate the role of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) in infection and immunity and gained a PhD at the University of Glasgow. His post-doctoral research has concentrated on investigating the role of some important cytokines such as IL-15, IL-18, IL-23 and IL-27 in T cell development. The primary aim of his research in infectious and autoimmune diseases is to develop a practical anti-cytokine therapy to treat the inflammatory disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As a Senior Research Fellow, his research was supported by Arthritis Research UK to study the function of IL-18 and its receptors in RA. During that time, Dr Wei applied his research to studying the mechanism of anti-inflammation. Dr Wei is a pioneer researcher in the discovery of IL-35 and demonstrated its immune suppressing role in the treatment of the joint inflammation in mouse collagen induced arthritis model, which closely mimics rheumatoid arthritis in humans. His IL-35 study contributed significantly to the understanding of inflammatory disease mechanisms and may also benefit in future therapies of human autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. He was first appointed as a Lecturer in School of Dentistry, Cardiff University and was recently promoted to Senior Lecturer. Dr Wei's current research now focuses on the study of the role of novel IL-34 and IL-35 cytokines in the regulation of host immunity, particular concerning tissue macrophages andCandida infection, tumour survival, skin vaccine and skin/spinal wound healing. He is also interested in studying the functions of cytokine associations with mineralised tissue destruction related to RA, osteoarthritis and periodontal diseases.
Apart from research undertaken at the School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Dr. Wei also has responsibility for teaching on the oral ecosystem course for year 2 BDS students. He is involved in the examination and assessment of this course. Dr Wei also has an assessment role in Problem Based Learning (PBL). Recently, he has took a model lead role in the mentorship of year 2 students post presentation and assessment. Dr Wei also supervises projects of final year BDS students. ed on ).