Xiaoping Zhu

Dr. Xiaoping Zhu is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Immunology at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park. He oversees research on mucosal immune responses to infections and inflammatory control mechanisms.

• 1984: DVM, Veterinary Medicine, Ningxia University
• 1987: MS, Pathology, China Agricultural University
• 1997: Ph.D., Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• 1997-2000: Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard Medical School & Brigham & Women's Hospital

Dr. Zhu's research explores mucosal immunity, focusing on how the immune system distinguishes pathogenic from commensal microbes, pathogen immune evasion strategies, and the development of mucosal vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, RSV, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. His work also addresses lung inflammation mechanisms, including severe asthma.

Publications reveal expertise in FcRn receptor biology, TRPV4 channel functions in inflammation, and immune regulation during infections. Notable studies include HIV mucosal vaccines and mechanosensing in implant rejection.

• Evaluated by Faculty of 1000 Biology as a 'Must Read' paper
• Featured in Nature Rev. Immunol. and Nature Biotechnology commentaries
• Highlighted in The Jackson Highlight for vaccine research

Dr. Zhu leads the Zhu Lab (https://zhulab.weebly.com/), which integrates basic immunology with translational applications for mucosal vaccine development and asthma therapies.