Assistant Professor at Gyeongsang National University, South Korea
Dr. Minkyoung Cho is an accomplished researcher and academic in the fields of parasitology, immunology, and tropical medicine. With a strong foundation in biomedical science, microbiology, and immunology, she has dedicated her career to advancing understanding in parasite-host interactions, immune regulation, and therapeutic applications of natural products. Dr. Cho earned her Ph.D. from Pusan National University and has held prestigious postdoctoral and research positions in Korea and the USA. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor at Gyeongsang National University, where she continues her groundbreaking research. Her work has led to multiple patents and numerous high-impact publications, focusing on areas such as autoimmune diseases, endometriosis, and anti-aging therapies. Dr. Cho is also a recipient of several awards, including the Parasite Immunology Woods Hole Prize and the Young Scientist Prize, highlighting her contributions to immunology and parasitology.
Profile
Orcid
Scopus
Education 🎓
Dr. Minkyoung Cho’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Inje University (2003-2007). She then pursued her Master’s (2007-2009) and Ph.D. (2009-2012) in Microbiology and Immunology at Pusan National University, where she developed a strong foundation in immunology and parasitology. Her doctoral research focused on parasite-host interactions, laying the groundwork for her future contributions to the field. Dr. Cho’s education equipped her with the skills to explore complex immunological mechanisms and their applications in medicine, particularly in autoimmune diseases and parasitic infections. Her academic excellence and research potential were evident early on, earning her recognition through awards and scholarships. This robust educational background has been instrumental in her successful career as a researcher and professor.
Experience 💼
Dr. Minkyoung Cho has a diverse and impressive professional background. She began as a Teaching Assistant at Pusan National University (2010-2012), followed by postdoctoral roles at Pusan National University Medical Research Institute (2012-2013) and Georgia State University, USA (2013-2014). She then served as a Research Assistant Professor at Seoul National University (2014-2019) and a Research Professor at the Healthy Aging Korean Medical Research Center (2020-2023). Currently, she is an Assistant Professor at Gyeongsang National University (2024-present). Her roles have spanned teaching, research, and mentorship, with a focus on immunology, parasitology, and therapeutic development. Dr. Cho’s international experience and interdisciplinary approach have significantly contributed to her expertise in immune regulation, autoimmune diseases, and natural product-based therapies.
Awards and Honors 🏆
Dr. Minkyoung Cho has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to immunology and parasitology. These include the Research Achievement Award (2018) and Best Research Award (2017) from the Korean Association of Immunologists, the Young Scientist Prize (2018) from the Dendritic Cell Symposium, and the Parasite Immunology Woods Hole Prize (2012). She has also received multiple Best Oral Presentation Awards at the Korean Society for Parasitology conferences (2009, 2010). These accolades highlight her excellence in research, innovation, and scientific communication. Her work on parasite-derived proteins and immune regulation has not only advanced scientific understanding but also opened new avenues for therapeutic development, earning her a distinguished reputation in her field.
Research Focus 🔬
Dr. Minkyoung Cho’s research focuses on immune regulation, parasitic infections, and therapeutic applications of natural products. Her work explores the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, such as allergic asthma and neuroinflammation, and the role of parasitic proteins in modulating immune responses. She has also investigated the anti-aging and wound-healing properties of parasite-derived proteins. Additionally, Dr. Cho studies the therapeutic potential of natural compounds, such as andrographolide and frankincense, in treating endometriosis, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. Her research integrates molecular biology, immunology, and bioinformatics to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. By bridging parasitology and immunology, Dr. Cho’s work has significant implications for developing innovative treatments for immune-related disorders and improving human health.
Publication Top Notes 📚
- Genetic polymorphism of Duffy binding protein in Pakistan Plasmodium vivax isolate. Acta Trop., 2024.
- Frankincense ameliorates endometriosis via inducing apoptosis and reducing adhesion. Integr Med Res., 2023.
- Andrographolide suppresses aerobic glycolysis and induces apoptotic death by inhibiting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 expression. Oncol Rep., 2023.
- Identification and analysis of novel endometriosis biomarkers via integrative bioinformatics. Front. Endocrinol., 2022.
- Water-Extracted Prunella vulgaris alleviates endometriosis by reducing aerobic glycolysis. Front Pharmacol, 2022.
- Trichinella spiralis nurse cell formation is regulated via CCR7+ dendritic cells. Parasite Immunol., 2022.
- Autophagy as a Therapeutic Target of Natural Products Enhancing Embryo Implantation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel)., 2021.
- Drug evaluation based on phosphomimetic PDHA1 reveals the complexity of activity-related cell death in A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells. BMB Rep. 2021.
- A critical role for Th17 cell-derived TGF-β1 in regulating the stability and pathogenicity of autoimmune Th17 cells. Exp Mol Med., 2021.
- A critical regulation of Th2 cell responses by RORα in allergic asthma. Science China. Life Sciences, 2020.
- A critical regulation of Th17 cell responses and autoimmune neuro-inflammation by ginsenoside Rg3. Biomolecules, 2020.
Conclusion 🌟
Dr. Minkyoung Cho is a distinguished researcher and educator whose work in immunology, parasitology, and natural product-based therapies has made significant contributions to science and medicine. Her innovative research, numerous awards, and impactful publications reflect her dedication to advancing knowledge and developing novel treatments for immune-related diseases. As an Assistant Professor at Gyeongsang National University, she continues to inspire and lead in her field, paving the way for future breakthroughs.