Research Interests

My laboratory studies lung vascular biology and immuno-pathogenesis of acute lung injury. Our research focuses on the mechanism of respiratory virus-induced lung vascular injury and signals between endothelial cells and immune cells during the innate and adaptive immune response. The SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1-induced acute lung injury models are two major animal models used in the laboratory. We are also interested in lung vascular regeneration and mechanisms of transcriptional regulation in the vasculature. By understanding the mechanisms which regulate the balance between inflammatory injury and regeneration in viral lung injury, we will be able to develop new therapies that minimize inflammatory injury, maximize tissue repair and reduce patient mortality.

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology, 2013, University of Rochester, NY, USA
M.D. in Medicine, 2003, Medical School of Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Awards / Honors

2022  University of Pittsburgh 2023 Senior Vice Chancellor’s Research Seminar Speaker & Award
2021  The Finalist for the 2021 Cournand & Comroe Early Career Investigator Award Competition
2018  Winner of American Heart Association – 3 CPR Shark Tank Research Competition
2018  Invited for American Heart Association Research Leaders Academy, Salt Lake City, UT

Grants

R01 HL157489 (03/01/2021 – 02/28/2026)
NIH/NHLBI
Principal Investigator: Lianghui Zhang
Project Title: Endothelial antigen presentation to T cells as a pathogenic mechanism in influenza-induced acute lung injury

AHA Career Development Award (07/2018 – 06/2021)
AHA 18CDA34110068                                                                                      
Principal investigator: Lianghui Zhang
Project Title: This project investigates regulatory mechanisms of Sox17 in endothelial regeneration.