On January 5, 2024, we were delighted to host Professor Chen Xin, Dean of the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences at the University of Macau and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, who delivered an academic presentation at the Lihu Campus of Shenzhen University. The presentation entitled "TNFR2-targeting in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases: recent progress”, marked the 800th academic event (the 736th in the series) in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Shenzhen University, and the 96th lecture of the Shenzhen Medical Forum. Professor Chen Xin was invited by Professor Cheng Yongxian from the School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School

In this lecture, Professor Chen meticulously elucidated the historical trajectory of tumor immunotherapy before focusing in on the discovery and functional role of the TNF-TNFR2 axis. Professor Chen also provided a systematic overview of the immunomodulatory mechanisms inherent in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly those targeting TNFR2.

Professor Chen has a longstanding commitment to the investigation of autoimmune diseases, tumors, and regulatory T (Treg) cells. His research team made the groundbreaking identification of TNFR2’s involvement in the activation, proliferation, functionality, and phenotypic stability of Treg cells. This novel finding has earned widespread acclaim within the international academic community, and serves as a theoretical cornerstone for the advancement of novel pharmaceuticals aimed at treating both tumors and autoimmune diseases. Beyond showcasing Professor Chen's remarkable accomplishments in the realm of tumor and autoimmune diseases, the lecture contributed fresh perspectives for the broader landscape of research in these domains. Following the presentation, Professor Chen answered numerous questions posed by the attending faculty members and students, garnering warm reception from the attendees. The insights shared during the lecture inspired those attending to consider a new trajectory for the exploration and investigation of tumors and autoimmune diseases.  

Brief introduction to the speaker

Professor Xin Chen earned his PhD from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in 1991 and later obtained a PhD in Medical Sciences (Immunology) from Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands. In 1999, Professor Chen joined the Molecular Immunomodulation Laboratory (LMI) at the National Cancer Institute (NCI)/National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA as a Scientist II and then as a Senior Scientist. He returned to the University of Macau in October 2014. Professor Xin Chen's primary research focus revolves around traditional Chinese medicine and immunology. His scholarly contributions include numerous high-impact publications in prestigious journals such as Nature Medicine, Nature Reviews Rheumatology, Science Advances, Science Signaling, and Cellular and Molecular Immunology. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Professor Chen received the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Technology Transformation Award (2005), the Outstanding Achievement Award (2007), and the National Cancer Institute Director's Innovation Award (2010).

Beyond his research endeavors, Professor Chen Xin actively serves on various government committees, including the Macao Science and Technology Commission, the Macao Medical Council, the Macao Patent Medicine Expert Advisory Committee, and the Macao Chinese Doctor Qualification Committee. His multifaceted involvement reflects his commitment to advancing both scientific research and healthcare governance.