Chen Lab's research revolves around the common theme of cell signaling and host defense
We are broadly interested in mechanisms of signal transduction, namely how a cell communicates with its surroundings and within itself. In particular, we are fascinated by how a cell detects harmful or foreign insults and mounts an appropriate response to restore homeostasis.
Meet the Principal Investigator
Zhijian "James" Chen, Ph.D.
Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
George L. MacGregor Distinguished Chair in Biomedical Sciences
Director, Center for Inflammation Research
Professor, Department of Molecular Biology
Professor, Center for Genetics of Host Defense
Member, National Academy of Sciences
Member, National Academy of Medicine
Fellow, Royal Society
Recent News & Discoveries
Zhijian ‘James’ Chen has been awarded the 2026 Elaine Redding Brinster Prize
On September 09, 2025, Zhijian ‘James’ Chen has been awarded the 2026 Elaine Redding Brinster Prize in Science or Medicine in recognition of his discovery of the cGAS enzyme and its role in immune response.
Zhijian ‘James’ Chen Awarded the 2024 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award
On March 14, 2025, Zhijian ‘James’ Chen will be awarded the 2024 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award for discovering the cGAS enzyme that senses foreign and self DNA, solving the mystery of how DNA stimulates immune and inflammatory responses.
Minglu received a CPRIT training grant!
Congratulations!
Swapneel Receives Prestigious Dermatology Foundation Career Development Award
March 11, 2025
We are excited to share that Swapneel has been awarded the highly competitive Dermatology Foundation Career Development Award! This prestigious honor recognizes his outstanding potential and will support his continued advancement in dermatologic research and clinical excellence.
Congratulations to Swapneel on this remarkable achievement!
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Meet the Team
Learn more about our lab members contributing to our pivotal research.
See Lab Members & Alumni
