Institute for Prevention and Control of Tropical Diseases and Chronic Diseases, Hainan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention - China
AUTHOR PROFILEÂ
EARLY ACADEMIC ROOTS 🎓
Dr. Yang Cheng’s academic journey began with a profound interest in medicine and parasitology. Born in May 1986, he pursued his Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Medicine from Bengbu Medical College, China, graduating in 2009. Motivated by the complex biology of parasites and their interactions with human hosts, he pursued a Ph.D. in Human Parasitology at Kangwon National University, South Korea, and obtained his doctorate in 2014. His time abroad broadened his exposure to international research perspectives, laying the groundwork for a robust academic career. Post-Ph.D., Dr. Cheng further honed his expertise through a postdoctoral research position at the prestigious NIH-NIAID (USA) from 2014 to 2016. This phase was instrumental in sharpening his scientific acumen, allowing him to work with globally respected researchers in immunology and infectious diseases. His diverse academic background—spanning Asia and the United States—prepared him to tackle global parasitic diseases with a cross-disciplinary approach. With each academic milestone, Dr. Cheng cultivated a deepening focus on malaria infection and host immune response, eventually positioning himself as a key thought leader in tropical disease research.
PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY & LEADERSHIP 🧑‍🔬
Dr. Cheng’s professional trajectory is distinguished by leadership roles and impactful research. In 2016, he became an Associate Professor at Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China, where he also assumed the role of Chief Leader of the Pathogenic Infection and Immunity Laboratory. His leadership extends to Hainan, where he directs the Institute for Prevention and Control of Tropical Diseases and Chronic Diseases at the Hainan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention. His dual appointments reflect his commitment to both academic advancement and public health application. Beyond titles, Dr. Cheng has led numerous high-profile research initiatives. He currently heads multiple funded projects, including grants from the Natural Science Foundation of China, Jiangsu Province, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Central Universities' Fundamental Research Funds. His ability to manage interdisciplinary research, mentor junior scientists, and lead disease prevention programs solidifies his reputation as a leader in the field. Balancing lab discovery with field implementation, Dr. Cheng bridges research with policy and practice, especially in endemic regions.
RESEARCH EXCELLENCE IN MALARIA & IMMUNOLOGY 🧬
At the heart of Dr. Cheng’s career lies his passion for understanding malaria pathogenesis and immune response. His work focuses on four interconnected areas: the invasion mechanisms of Plasmodium, the host’s immune response and immune evasion, screening of malaria vaccine candidates, and public prevention of parasitic diseases. Through a combination of molecular biology, immunology, and epidemiology, he has advanced knowledge in how Plasmodium interacts with host cells and evades immune detection. His research has resulted in over 20 SCI-indexed publications as first or corresponding author, underscoring both volume and scientific rigor. Notably, his recent work has revealed important roles for proteins such as PvMSP1P-19, PvTRAg23, and GAMA in malaria pathogenesis and immune modulation. By identifying targets for potential vaccines and therapeutics, Dr. Cheng's contributions support global efforts to eradicate malaria. His innovative experiments, often involving collaborative research teams, have been well-recognized in journals such as The Journal of Biological Chemistry, Frontiers in Immunology, and Infection and Immunity. Dr. Cheng's research doesn’t just decode molecular interactions—it creates practical pathways for disease control strategies.
GLOBAL COLLABORATIONS & SCIENTIFIC IMPACT 🌏
Dr. Cheng has actively collaborated across borders, enhancing the global footprint of his research. His postdoctoral tenure at the NIH-NIAID fostered early international experience, but his collaborations have since extended through participation in multi-national conferences, international grants, and co-authored studies. Notably, his research supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation highlights global trust in his work’s applicability to malaria control. Additionally, his papers often include international co-authors from diverse regions such as Africa, Korea, and Southeast Asia, indicating the geographic relevance and appeal of his findings. His participation in One Health discussions and COVID-19 response analysis showcases his versatility and responsiveness to emerging global threats. Dr. Cheng’s research on the genetic diversity and immunogenicity of Plasmodium species imported from Africa to China speaks to his role in transcontinental disease tracking. These partnerships have enabled knowledge transfer and capacity building in endemic regions, strengthening public health infrastructures. By working with global teams, Dr. Cheng has become a conduit for scientific exchange, policy dialogue, and technological innovation in tropical medicine.
AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS 🏅
Recognition of Dr. Cheng’s outstanding research and leadership is reflected in the accolades he has received. In 2014, he was honored with the PhD of Excellence by Kangwon National University, a testament to his exceptional doctoral work. Six years later, in 2020, he was named Honor Young Scientist Scholar at Jiangnan University, affirming his continued contribution to academic research and student mentorship. He also received the Science and Technology Award from the China General Chamber of Commerce the same year, which acknowledged his applied scientific efforts and innovation in health-related research. These awards highlight his dual strengths: theoretical rigor and practical impact. Dr. Cheng’s ability to transform complex research into public health strategies, particularly in parasitic disease control, has been critical in earning these distinctions. His awards not only validate his contributions but also set a benchmark for emerging researchers under his mentorship. As a role model and thought leader, he has cultivated a research environment focused on excellence, integrity, and social relevance.
SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS & PUBLICATIONS đź“š
Dr. Cheng’s publication record is both prolific and impactful, with over 20 SCI-indexed articles that span molecular parasitology, immunology, and public health. His 2024 study in The Journal of Biological Chemistry revealed how PvMSP1P-19 binds with membrane proteins band3 and CD71, advancing our understanding of Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte invasion. In another 2024 paper in Infection and Immunity, he examined the interaction between PySRA and macrophage receptors, shedding light on how malaria parasites manipulate host immune responses. His interdisciplinary approach also led to studies on PvTRAg23’s effect on spleen fibroblasts, COVID-19 epidemiology, and immune signaling pathways like cGAS-STING. His work demonstrates a continuous thread of innovation—from bench research to field-level application. Each publication not only contributes to scientific discourse but also serves as a building block for vaccine development, diagnostic tool refinement, and epidemiological forecasting. His research frequently bridges basic science and translational outcomes, with far-reaching implications for disease surveillance and health policy.
LEGACY AND FUTURE ASPIRATIONS đź”®
Dr. Cheng stands at the forefront of infectious disease research with a legacy defined by innovation, leadership, and global vision. His future trajectory promises continued advancement in malaria vaccine development, immune evasion mechanisms, and public health interventions. As Director of a key disease control institute and a research lab leader, he is well-positioned to influence both academic inquiry and practical policy. He envisions building a multidisciplinary center for tropical diseases, incorporating genomics, immunology, and big data analytics to combat emerging parasitic threats. Moreover, he remains committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists, creating a ripple effect of knowledge and skill development across borders. With growing international collaborations, sustained publication momentum, and a strong foundation in both theory and practice, Dr. Cheng’s legacy is still in the making—one that aligns with global health goals and scientific excellence.
NOTABLE PUBLICATION
- Title: Proteomic profiling of spleen in rat infected with Clonorchis sinensis using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: S. Han, Su; J. Wan, Jie; X. Zhang, Xiaoli; J. Wu, Jianlin; R. Chen, Rui
Journal: Acta Tropica
- Title: MicroRNAs in opisthorchiids and their definitive hosts: Current Status and Perspectives
Authors: X. Li, Xiang; J. Ding, Jian; X. Zhang, Xiaoli; J. Cao, Jianping; S. Han, Su
Journal: [Journal not specified] (Full text link is disabled, and journal name not shown)
- Title: Plasmodium vivax tryptophan-rich antigen reduces type I collagen secretion via the NF-ÎşBp65 pathway in splenic fibroblasts
Authors: W. Kong, Weizhong; H. Zhang, Hangye; Y. Sun, Yifan; S. Han, Su; Y. Cheng, Yang
Journal: Parasites and Vectors
- Title: ASIC1 promotes migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma via the PRKACA/AP-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Y. Liu, Youyi; B. Wang, Boshi; Y. Cheng, Yang; Y. He, Youzhao; C. Jin, Cheng
Journal: Carcinogenesis
- Title: The Plasmodium vivax MSP1P-19 is involved in binding of reticulocytes through interactions with the membrane proteins band3 and CD71
Authors: S. Zuo, Shenghuan; J. Lu, Jiachen; Y. Sun, Yifan; E. Han, Eun-Taek; Y. Cheng, Yang
Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry