Huocong Huang

Huocong Huang, M.D., Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, affiliated with the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research. His research focuses on understanding fibroblast biology and their roles in cancer immunity, tumor progression, and pathological conditions. Dr. Huang completed his medical degree at Sun Yat-sen University and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, followed by postdoctoral training at UT Southwestern.

His research interests center on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs), and extracellular matrix signaling in pancreatic cancer and immune-related diseases. Key areas include tumor microenvironment dynamics, stromal-epithelial crosstalk, and therapeutic targeting of fibroblast functions. His lab employs single-cell technologies, in vivo models, and molecular biology approaches.

Publications highlight advancements in understanding CAF biology, metastasis mechanisms, and immunosuppressive pathways in pancreatic cancer. Notable contributions include identifying apCAFs’ role in regulatory T cell expansion and elucidating DDR1 and AXL receptor functions in metastasis.

Dr. Huang’s work bridges basic science and translational research, with implications for improving cancer immunotherapy and stroma-targeted therapies. His lab collaborates widely to advance understanding of fibroblast-mediated cancer progression.