Dr. Min Jong Kang

Biography

Min-Jong Kang is an Associate Professor at Yale School of Medicine, specializing in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine. His prior research has focused on the pathogenesis of cigarette smoke-induced lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Kang's studies have demonstrated that the IL-18 system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cigarette smoke-induced emphysematous lung destruction. He has established murine models to study the effects of cigarette smoke on innate immunity and its interaction with host microorganisms. His research has led to significant insights into the interaction between cigarette smoke and antiviral innate immune responses through the MAVS-RLHs antiviral signaling pathway. Dr. Kang's laboratory is currently focused on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in immune dysregulation in the context of smoking exposure. By applying cutting-edge knowledge in mitochondrial biology, the research aims to uncover mitochondrial dysfunction as a key event in the pathogenesis of COPD and related disorders.

Research Interests

Experience