My disciplinary research focuses on the development and application of novel immunoregulators to the farmed fish and shellfish in preventing disease outbreaks. Since my academic journey, I have recognized the significance of aquaculture in global food sources and gained a profound understanding of the detrimental impact of infectious diseases on the industry. Therefore, I have dedicated myself to research in disease prevention. During my master's studies, I initiated the development of vaccines against aquatic Vibrio pathogens and I have published a relevant journal article recently (Ref. 34). After graduation, I was awarded the Government Scholarship to Study Abroad (Ministry of Education, Taiwan), enabling me to pursue my doctoral degree. Additionally, I secured research funding from Zoetis International Service (formerly Pfizer, France). Within a span of 3.5 years, I successfully obtained my doctoral degree and published four first-author articles (Ref. 1, 3, 4, 6) and two co-authored articles (Ref. 2, 5). Following my doctoral studies, I was fortunate to join the research team of Prof. Alain Vanderplasschen, with the support of “The Interuniversity Attraction Poles (Belgium)”, for my postdoctoral research. In this role, I investigated the functional aspects of the Zα domain of Cyprinid Herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3), commonly known as koi herpesvirus. The outcomes of this research were published in Nucleic Acids Research (Ref. 38), marking a significant achievement in my academic career.

 

Previously, my research focused primarily on commercially important fish species, limiting the availability of experimental tools and techniques. In order to broaden my research scope and enhance my skills in experimental techniques, critical thinking, and logical reasoning, I decided to return to Taiwan and engage in research involving model organisms such as mice and zebrafish. I joined the Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology at Academia Sinica (Taiwan) and National Taiwan University Hospital to delve into various research aspects and acquire a broader range of research skills and abilities. This opportunity allowed me to deepen my understanding and expand my expertise in different research areas.

 

Period: Assistant professor – Associate professor (2018-present)

l Research and publications

In 2018, I joined the Department of Aquaculture at National Taiwan Ocean University as an Assistant Professor, where I have been dedicated to advancing research on the prevention of aquatic animal diseases and the exploration of immune mechanisms in farmed aquatic animals. Since then, I have published a total of 37 international journal articles, with 11 of them as the first author and 11 as the corresponding author. Through my research in these areas, I aim to advance our understanding of TLRs in aquatic organisms, contribute to the fields of immunology and aquaculture, and potentially facilitate the development of innovative approaches for disease prevention and management in the aquaculture industry.

 

In the past few years, I have led a team in conducting systematic studies in Nile tilapia, which have resulted in the discovery of previously unidentified fish-specific TLRs toll-like receptors (TLRs) (Ref. 12, 25, 35), along with their downstream adaptor proteins (Ref. 14, 17, 36) as well as accessory protein (Ref. 42) in this species. We have investigated and discovered for the first time the significant roles of these molecules in the immune response of fish, particularly in resistance against microbial (bacterial) pathogens. Notably, in Ref. 36, we were the first to report the negative regulatory role of SARM1 in the immune response against bacterial pathogens in vertebrate. More importantly, recently we have successfully identified a group of specific agonists for one of the TLRs that have not been reported before. Our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular identity and functional importance of these molecules in the defense mechanisms of teleost fish against microbial infections. We are currently accumulating research results and data on the efficacy and safety of newly identified TLR-based ligands. We plan to apply for patents and publish our findings in the near future.

 

My laboratory is dedicated to the development of novel immunomodulatory agents aimed at protecting aquatic animals from infectious diseases. I seek to understand the effects of various medicinal plant extracts (Ref. 8, 15, 16, 20, 22, 26, 41), algal extracts (Ref. 9, 10, 11, 21, 29, 43), agricultural spent substrate (Ref. 30), and synbiotics (Ref. 39) on the immune responses, growth, and disease resistance of different aquatic species. Therefore, my research focuses on evaluating the efficacy of these extracts in promoting immune responses, improving growth performance, and enhancing resistance against bacterial pathogens in both freshwater and seawater environments. Additionally, we have scientifically demonstrated the impact of antibiotic usage (Ref. 7, 13) and the presence of heavy metal (Ref. 31, 33) on the immune capabilities of both vertebrate and invertebrate aquatic organisms. These findings enable farmers to understand the significance of drug usage and environmental water quality factors. Furthermore, in specific circumstances where it becomes necessary, we have explored the use of immunomodulatory agents to assist aquatic organisms in recovering their immune abilities.

 

l Funding acquisition, patents and technology transfer

Due to the close connection between my research and practical aquaculture operations, I have received support from various governmental and industrial funding bodies. Moreover, I have been granted a national invention patent (Patent Certificate No. I745896), with two additional patent applications pending. So far, I have completed three technology transfer cases, receiving NT$1.0 million in technology transfer funding.

 

l International collaborations

I have established a strong network with colleagues from Taiwan, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Thailand, India, Poland and the USA focusing on topics of probiotics (Ref. 18), feed supplement (Ref. 28), algal culture optimization, application of functional algal extracts in the cosmetics (Ref. 19, 23, 24, 32, 37, 40). Furthermore, I have contributed to the field through a review paper that explores the gut immune system and the implications of oral-administered immunoprophylaxis in finfish aquaculture (Ref. 27). Additionally, I have taken on the responsibility of hosting special issues for reputable journals such as Frontiers in Immunology and Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, further establishing my reputation as an active contributor to the scientific community.

Publication

PT Lee, J Zou, JW Holland, SAM Martin, T Kanellos, CJ Secombes, 2013. Identification and characterization of TLR7, TLR8a2, TLR8b1 and TLR8b2 genes in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Developmental and Comparative Immunology 41, 295-305. (IF: 2.9; Zoology top 5.4%) J Zou, B Gorgoglione, NGH Taylor, T Summathed, PT Lee, A Panigrahi, C Genet, YM Chen, TY Chen, MU Hassan, SM Mughal, P Boudinot, & CJ Secombes, 2014. Salmonids Have an Extraordinary Complex Type I IFN System: Characterization of the IFN Locus in Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss Reveals Two Novel IFN Subgroups. Journal of Immunology 193(5), 2273-2286. (IF: 4.4; Immunology top 47.5%) PT Lee, J Zou, J W Holland, SAM Martin, T Kanellos, CJ Secombes, 2014. Identification and characterisation of TLR18-21 genes in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Fish and Shellfish Immunology 41, 549-559. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) PT Lee, J Zou, J W Holland, SAM Martin, CJW Scott, T Kanellos, & CJ Secombes, 2015. Functional characterisation of a TLR accessory protein, UNC93B1, in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Developmental and Comparative Immunology 50, 38-48. (IF: 2.9; Zoology top 5.4%) S Yoon, A Alnabulsi, TY Wang, PT Lee, TY Chen, S Bird, J Zou, CJ Secombes* (2016) Analysis of interferon gamma protein expression in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Fish and Shellfish Immunology 57: 79-86. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) PT Lee, S Bird, J Zou, SAM Martin* (2017) Phylogeny and expression analysis of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid-P (SAP) like genes reveal two distinct groups in fish. Fish and Shellfish Immunology 65: 42-51. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) PT Lee*, ZH Liao, HT Huang, CY Chuang, FH Nan (2020) β-glucan alleviates the immunosuppressive effects of oxytetracycline on the non-specific immune responses and resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus infection in Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus hybrids. Fish and Shellfish Immunology 100: 467-475. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) IP Kuo, PT Lee, FH Nan* (2020) Rheum officinale extract promotes the innate immunity of orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) and exerts strong bactericidal activity against six aquatic pathogens. Fish and Shellfish Immunology 102: 117-124. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) PT Lee, HTQ Tran, HT Huang, FH Nan, MC Lee* (2020) Sargassum horneri extracts stimulate innate immunity, enhance growth performance, and upregulate immune genes in the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Fish and Shellfish Immunology 102: 276-285. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) PT Lee, MC Lee, YT Huang, ZH Liao, HT Huang, YS Ho, FH Nan* (2020) Polysaccharides from the green alga Caulerpa racemosa (agardh, 1873) improve the immune response and antioxidant status in the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) (Dendrobranchiata, Penaeidae). Crustaceana 93: 611-632. (IF: 0.6; Marine & Freshwater Biology top 92%) PT Lee, CM Wen, FH Nan, HY Yeh, MC Lee* (2020) Immunostimulatory effects of Sarcodia suiae water extracts on Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and its resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae. Fish and Shellfish Immunology 103: 159-168. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) PT Lee*, TH Ho, BT Nguyen, YL Lin, PY Chiu (2020) Expression profile, subcellular localization and signaling pathway analysis of fish-specific TLR25 in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish and Shellfish Immunology 104: 141-154. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) PT Lee, YS Wu, HY Chen, ZH Liao, HT Huang, YC Chen, FH Nan* (2020) Positive and synergistic effects of oxytetracycline and β-glucan on non-specific immune responses in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) (Boone, 1931) (Dendrobranchiata, Penaeidae). Crustaceana 93: 633-651. (IF: 0.6; Marine & Freshwater Biology top 92%) NB Trung, PT Lee* (2020) Functional characterization of myeloid differentiation factor 88 in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part B 250: 110485. (IF: 2.2; Zoology top 9%) PT Lee, HY Chen, ZH Liao, HT Huang, TC Chang, C-T Huang, MC Lee, FH Nan*. Effects of three medicinal herbs Bidens pilosa, Lonicera japonica, and Cyathula officinalis on growth and non-specific immune responses of cobia (Rachycentron canadum). Fish and Shellfish Immunology 106: 526-535. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) HVT Ngo, HT Huang, PT Lee, ZH Liao, HY Chen, FH Nan. Effects of Phyllanthus amarus extract on nonspecific immune responses, growth, and resistance to Vibrio alginolyticus in white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Fish and Shellfish Immunology 107: 1-8. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) NB Trung, FH Nan, IJ Wang, YC Wu, CM Wen, MC Lee, HT Hang, PT Lee* (2021). Expression, signal transduction, and function analysis of TIRAP and TRIF in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Developmental and Comparative Immunology 117: 103991. (IF: 2.9; Zoology top 5.4%) JY Loh*, KS Lai, PT Lee, HJ Liew, ASY Ting (2021). Effects of Artemia nauplii bioencapsulated with Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis CF4MRS and sodium alginate on edwardsiellosis protection and digestive enzyme production in climbing perch larvae, Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792). Journal of Applied Aquaculture DOI: 10.1080/10454438.2021.1935389. (IF: 1.2; Fisheries top 71.55%) MC Lee*, HY Yeh, FJ Jhang, PT Lee, YK Lin, FH Nan (2021). Enhancing growth, phycoerythrin production, and pigment composition in the red alga Colaconema sp. through optimal environmental conditions in an indoor system. Bioresource Technology 333:125199. (IF: 11.4; Agricultural Engineering top 3.6%) HT Huang, PT Lee, ZH Liao, CT Huang, HY Chen, ZG Huang, Fan-Hua Nan* (2021). Raw garlic (Allium sativum) improves nonspecific immune responses and resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus infection in grouper (Epinephelus coioides). Journal of Marine Science and Technology-Taiwan 29(6): Article 4. (IF: 0.5; top 96.1%) PT Lee, J Huang, CY Huang, ZX Liu, HY Yeh, HT Huang, LL Chen, FH Nan, MC Lee. (2021). Phycoerythrin from Colaconema sp. Has Immunostimulatory Effects on the Whiteleg Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and Increases Resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus and White Spot Syndrome Virus. Animals 11(8):2371. (IF: 3.0; Veterinary Sciences top 8.7%) NR Dewi, HT Huang, YS Wu, ZH Liao, YJ Lin, PT Lee, FH Nan* (2021). Guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extract enhances immunity, growth, and resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus in white shrimp Penaeus vannamei. Fish and Shellfish Immunology 118:1-10. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) CC Tsang, HY Yeh, ZH Liao, SW Hung, B Chen, PT Lee, FH Nan, WL Shih, CC Chang, MC Lee*. (2021). An in vitro study shows the potential of Nostoc commune (Cyanobacteria) polysaccharides extract for wound-healing and anti-allergic use in the cosmetics industry. Journal of Functional Foods 87: 104754. (IF: 5.6; Food Science & Technology top 8.7%) PT Lee, HY Yeh, WQC Lung, J Huang, YJ Chen, B Chen, FH Nan, MC Lee* (2021). R-Phycoerythrin from Colaconema formosanum (Rhodophyta), an Anti-Allergic and Collagen Promoting Material for Cosmeceuticals. Applied Sciences 11(20): 9425. (IF: 2.7; Engineering, Multidisciplinary top 46.1%) NB Trung, FH Nan, MC Lee, JY Loh, HY Gong, MW Lu, HT Hang, YL Lin, PT Lee* (2021). Fish-specific TLR18 in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) recruits MyD88 and TRIF to induce expression of effectors in NF-κB and IFN pathways in melanomacrophages. Fish and Shellfish Immunology 4 (119):587-601. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) E Wangkahart, S Wachiraamonloed, PT Lee, PA Subramani, Z Qi, B Wang (2021). Impacts of Aegle marmelos fruit extract as a medicinal herb on growth performance, antioxidant and immune responses, digestive enzymes, and disease resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish and Shellfish Immunology 120: 402-410. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) PT Lee, Fernando YY, CF Low, JY Loh*, CM Chong* (2021). Gut immune system and the implications of oral-administered immunoprophylaxis in finfish aquaculture. Frontiers in Immunology 12: 5312. (IF: 7.3; Immunology top 21.4%) E Wankahart, P Kersanté, PT Lee, O Sanbut, S Nontasan, A Chantiratikul (2022). Effect of Kera-Stim®50, a feed additive containing free amino acid mix on growth, antioxidant and immune responses, digestive enzymes, and fatty acid composition in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Aquaculture 551: 737874. (IF: 4.5; Marine & Freshwater Biology top 6.1%) PT Lee, FH Nan, PY Chiu, CC Tseng*, MC Lee* (2022). Sarcodia suiae water extract promotes the expression of proinflammatory and Th1-type cytokines and delay the onset of mortality in cobia (Rachycentron canadum) during Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae infection. Frontiers in Immunology 12:801501. (IF: 7.3; Immunology top 21.4%) PT Lee§, YS Wu§, CC Tseng, JY Lu*, MC Lee* (2022). Dietary Agaricus blazei spent substrate improves disease resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) against Streptococcus agalactiae in vivo. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 10(1):100. (IF: 2.9; Engineering, Marine top 21.96%) HC Chuang, HT Huang, NR Dewi, HH Hsiao, BY Chen, ZH Liao, MC Lee, PT Lee, YS Wu, YJ Lin, FH Nan * (2022). Effect of Methylmercury Exposure on Bioaccumulation and Nonspecific Immune Respsonses in Hybrid Grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus. Animals 12(2):147. (IF: 3.0; Veterinary Sciences top 8.7%) B Chen, HY Yeh, CH Huang, WQC Lung, YJ Chen, PT Lee, FH Nan, MC Lee* (2022). Effects of indoor cultural conditions on the growth and the phycoerythrin content of Proteomonas sulcata (Cryptophyta) assessed by flow cytometry. Journal of Applied Phycology 10.1007/s10811-022-02714-1. (IF: 3.3; Marine & Freshwater Biology top 10.8%) ZH Liao, HC Chuang, HT Huang, PH Wang, BY Chen, PT Lee, YS Wu, FH Nan* (2022). Bioaccumulation of arsenic and immunotoxic effect in white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) exposed to trivalent arsenic. Fish and Shellfish Immunology 122:376-385. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) PT Lee, J Huang, FH Nan* (2022). Inactivated whole vaccine inhibits lethal Vibrio harveyi infection in Oplegnathus punctatus. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 10, 625. (IF: 2.9; Engineering, Marine top 21.96%) TP Nguyen, BT Nguyen, FH Nan, MC Lee, PT Lee* (2022). TLR23, a fish-specific TLR, recruits MyD88 and TRIF to activate expression of a range of effectors in melanomacrophages in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish and Shellfish Immunology 126, 34-46. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) NB Trung, PT Nguyen, HY Hsueh, JY Loh, E Wangkahart, ASF Wong, PT Lee* (2022). Sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing protein 1 is a negative regulator in the anti-bacterial immune responses in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Frontiers in Immunology 13:940877. (IF: 7.3; Immunology top 21.4%) MC Lee*, CY Huang, CL Lai, HY Yeh, J Huang, WQC Lung, PT Lee, FH Nan (2022). Colaconema formosanum, Sarcodia suae, and Nostoc commune as Fermentation Substrates for Bioactive Substance Production. Fermentation 8, 343. (IF: 3.7; Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology top 42.81%) MA Diallo, S Pirotte, YL Hu, L Morvan, K Rakus, S Nicolas, PT Lee, S Hisao, Y Xu, D Andrew, P Tompa, J Sussman, A Vanderplasschen (2022). A fish herpesvirus highlights functional diversities among Zα domains related to phase separation induction and A-to-Z conversion. Nucleic Acids Research 25;51(2):806-830. (IF: 14.9; Biochemistry & Molecular biology top 1.75%) MY Huang, CY Lo, CY Lai, JD Yu, PT Lee* (2023). Dietary supplementation of synbiotic Leuconostoc mesenteroide B4 and dextran improves immune regulation and disease resistance of Penaeus vannamei against Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Fish & Shellfish Immunology 132, 108498. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) WQC Lung, J Wungen-Sani, CC Huang, CL Chen, HC Lai, YF Hu, PT Lee, FH Nan, HY Yeh*, MC Lee* (2023). Identification of Rhodosorus marinus isolated in Taiwan and study on its optimum culture conditions. Journal of Applied Phycology 35, 1317–1329. (IF: 3.3; Marine & Freshwater Biology top 10.8%) G Maurus,TH Ho, PT Lee* (2023). Effects of dietary Scutellaria baicalensis extract on growth performance, immune-related genes expression, and resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Research in Veterinary Science 159, 160-170. (IF: 2.4; Veterinary Sciences top 9.29%) TP Nguyen, TB Nguyen, TNL Dao, TH Ho, Lee PT* (2023). Investigation of the functional role of UNC93B1 in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): mRNA expression, subcellular localization, and physical interaction with fish-specific TLRs. Fish & Shellfish Immunology 139: 108902. (IF: 4.7; Veterinary Sciences top 3.1%) U. Vakaloloma, T.H. Ho, JY Loh, CM Chong, E Wangkahart, MC Lee, FH Nan, HC Lai, PT Lee* (2023). Modulation of immune genes in the mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues of cobia by Sarcodia suae extract. Veterinary Research Communications https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-023-10152-8 (IF: 2.2; Veterinary Sciences top 26.2%)