Interview with Prof. Bo Zhong: Insights into CD74high Neutrophils and Tumor Microenvironment Research
On March 6, 2025, Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment (JCMT) had the honor of interviewing Prof. Bo Zhong from the Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. In this insightful interview, Prof. Zhong shared the scientific inspiration and discoveries behind his team's recent groundbreaking study on CD74high neutrophils - a unique subset with antigen-presenting functions driven by interleukin-8 (IL-8) differentiation.
Prof. Zhong discussed the key cytokines and signaling pathways that shape the tumor microenvironment, offering new insights into how inflammation regulates cancer development and progression. He also reflected on the challenges and breakthroughs in exploring such a complex biological landscape.
Beyond his research, Prof. Zhong shared valuable perspectives on enhancing the academic influence of scientific journals, drawing on his experience as an Editorial Board Member for multiple international publications.
Watch the following video for expert insights from Prof. Bo Zhong:
Interview Questions:
Q1: In your recent study, you and your team identified a subset of CD74high neutrophils with antigen-presenting functions driven by IL-8 differentiation. This discovery offers a new perspective on the role of neutrophils in the tumor microenvironment. Could you share how the idea of exploring neutrophils through the lens of IL-8 emerged? Which cytokines do you consider most critical in regulating the tumor microenvironment?
Q2: Exploring the interaction between inflammation and the tumor microenvironment is highly challenging, particularly in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of molecular and signaling pathways. What key molecules or signaling pathways have you identified that play pivotal roles in regulating inflammation and the tumor microenvironment?
Q3: The path of scientific research is rarely smooth, especially in complex areas such as the tumor microenvironment. What have been the main challenges your team has encountered in studying inflammation and the tumor microenvironment?
Q4: We understand that you serve on the Editorial Boards of several journals. You must have a unique perspective on increasing the impact of scientific journals. Could you share any suggestions for enhancing journal influence?
About the Interviewee:
Prof. Bo Zhong, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
Prof. Zhong's research focuses on ubiquitination and deubiquitination processes during innate antiviral immune and inflammatory responses and tumorigenesis. His lab specifically studies E3 ligases and deubiquitinases that regulate virus-triggered immune signaling, using gene-knockout mice and related disease models to elucidate underlying mechanisms.
Editor: Frida Zhai
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment
