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Kin-Chow Chang
1. Mammalian host innate resistance to virulent influenza virus infection Influenza A virus infection is a major veterinary disease that affects a wide range of mammalian and avian species, and is a serious zoonotic threat to public health. We have a major research programme on understanding the mechanisms of host innate disease resistance to influenza infections. Our strategic approach is to compare host response to virulent influenza virus infection (such as H5N1 virus) between resistant (e.g. pig and duck) and susceptible (human and chicken) species to identify targets for the development of intervention therapy to reduce disease severity.
2. Molecular basis of phenotype determination and innate immunity in skeletal muscle of target and model animal species
We have a major research programme on understanding the basic and strategic biology of skeletal muscle development and growth in model and farm species. We conduct fundamental research of biomedical and agricultural importance in relation to muscle growth (hypertrophy and atrophy) and muscle as a major organ of host innate immunity. The aim is to identify host targets for intervention to improve the physical characteristics of muscle and its innate immunity during growth or at old age.