Prof. Dr Ki-Young Lee: Heed Professor, Department of Immunology Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine at Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Korea (South)
Dr. Ki-Young Lee is a distinguished immunologist and Heed Professor at the Department of Immunology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Korea. His research career spans over 25 years, focusing on the intricate molecular mechanisms governing immune signaling pathways, inflammation, and cancer biology. He is best known for elucidating the role of TLR and NF-κB signaling in immune responses and tumor progression, as well as for his pioneering work on autophagy regulation through ubiquitin-mediated signaling. His academic leadership is reflected not only in his scientific productivity—with over 150 publications and numerous high-impact articles—but also in his administrative role as Chief Officer of the Laboratory Animal Research Center at SKKU, where he promotes translational and preclinical research.
Online Profiles
Dr. Ki-Young Lee’s academic output and impact are documented across several reputable research platforms. His Scopus Author ID is 57482881000, where he has published 79 documents, accumulated 3,557 citations across 3,257 documents, and holds an h-index of 32, reflecting the sustained influence of his research. Dr. Lee maintains a presence across several leading academic platforms. His work can be explored on ResearchGate, where he shares updates and full-text access to many of his publications. His Google Scholar profile lists over 4,000 citations, reflecting strong international recognition of his contributions. He is also searchable on PubMed, where his extensive biomedical publications are indexed. Additional details about his university role can be found through the official SKKU Faculty Directory by searching for “Ki-Young Lee.”
Education
Dr. Lee earned his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Yonsei University, College of Engineering (1999–2002), where he trained under Prof. Baik L. Seong in molecular virology and immunology. He previously completed his M.S. in Pharmacy at Chungbuk National University (1993–1995) under the mentorship of Prof. Chong-Kil Lee, and obtained his B.A. in the same field from the same university (1987–1993). He then pursued postdoctoral training in immunobiology at Yale University School of Medicine (2003–2005), where he worked under world-renowned immunologist Prof. Sankar Ghosh, focusing on T cell receptor signaling and the role of PDK1 in NF-κB activation.
Research Focus
Dr. Lee’s research centers on dissecting the molecular pathways that connect innate immune signaling, oxidative stress, and cancer development. A significant part of his work addresses the role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), particularly TLR4 and TLR2, and how they activate downstream mediators such as TRAF6, ECSIT, and TAK1. His group has pioneered studies demonstrating the regulation of these pathways by deubiquitinases (e.g., USP14, USP15, USP21), kinases (e.g., PDK1, AMPK), and metabolic proteins (e.g., CRBN, Prdx6). More recently, his research has expanded into understanding how viral components like the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and cancer cell interactions with the immune system contribute to tumor progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance.
Experience
Dr. Lee’s professional journey includes foundational research and academic leadership in both industry and academia. He began his scientific career as a Research Scientist across institutions such as Ewha Womans University and the Korea Institute of Science & Technology (1993–2002). He then served as Principal Research Scientist and Team Leader at Mogam Biotechnology Institute, where he led immunotherapy-related projects. Following his postdoctoral training at Yale, he became a lecturer at Ulsan University College of Medicine (2005–2007). In 2007, he joined Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), where he rapidly advanced from Assistant Professor to Full Professor and was later honored with the Heed Professorship. Since 2019, he has served as Chief Officer of SKKU’s Laboratory Animal Research Center, overseeing translational research infrastructure.
Research Timeline
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1993–2002: Research Scientist roles in immunology, pharmacy, and biotech R&D institutions in Korea
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1999–2002: Ph.D. in Biotechnology at Yonsei University
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2003–2005: Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale University School of Medicine under Prof. Sankar Ghosh
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2005–2007: Lecturer, College of Medicine, Ulsan University
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2007–2011: Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, SKKU
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2011–2013: Associate Professor, SKKU
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2013–2017: Early-Tenured Associate Professor, SKKU
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2017–Present: Full Professor and Heed Professor, Department of Immunology, SKKU
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2019–Present: Chief Officer, Laboratory Animal Research Center, SKKU
Awards & Honors
Throughout his career, Dr. Lee has earned significant academic recognition and institutional honors. He was granted early tenure at SKKU for his outstanding scholarly contributions and was later awarded the Heed Professorship—one of the most prestigious faculty titles at the university. His research has attracted numerous national and international grants, including funding from Korean government agencies and global collaborative programs. In recognition of his role in translational immunology and cancer research, Dr. Lee has been invited to review for high-impact journals and serve on editorial boards and research committees across Asia and beyond.
Top-Noted Publication
Among Dr. Lee’s most influential publications is his 2005 Science paper on the role of PDK1 in TCR-mediated NF-κB signaling, which marked a paradigm shift in T cell immunobiology. Equally impactful is his 2024 Cancer Communications paper revealing how the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein drives lung cancer metastasis through TLR2 activation, highlighting real-world translational implications of his immune-oncology research. His recent Biomarker Research (2025) article identifying USP21-EGFR-Lyn signaling as a therapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) exemplifies his continued leadership at the intersection of immunity and cancer therapeutics.
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USP21-EGFR signaling axis is functionally implicated in metastatic colorectal cancer
Cell Death Discovery, 2024-
Citations: 3
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PTK2 is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for EGFR- or TLRs-induced lung cancer progression via the regulation of the cross-talk between EGFR- and TLRs-mediated signals
Biomarker Research, 2024-
Citations: 4
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The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induces lung cancer migration and invasion in a TLR2-dependent manner
Cancer Communications, 2024-
Citations: 9
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FFAR2 antagonizes TLR2- and TLR3-induced lung cancer progression via the inhibition of AMPK-TAK1 signaling axis for the activation of NF-κB
Cell and Bioscience, 2023-
Citations: 10
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Prognostic implication of downregulated exosomal miRNAs in patients with sepsis: a cross-sectional study with bioinformatics analysis
Journal of Intensive Care, 2023-
Citations: 8
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Prof. Dr. Ki-Young Lee’s strengths for the Innovative Researcher Award
1. Groundbreaking Contributions in Immunology and Cancer Biology
Prof. Dr. Ki-Young Lee has made pioneering discoveries in the fields of immunology and cancer biology, with a particular focus on understanding how the immune system’s molecular machinery drives disease processes. His work on Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling, the NF-κB pathway, and autophagy regulation through ubiquitin-mediated mechanisms has significantly advanced scientific knowledge in both fundamental and clinical immunology. His 2005 Science publication on the role of PDK1 in TCR-mediated NF-κB signaling marked a paradigm shift in T cell biology, and continues to influence immunological research globally. Through decades of sustained effort, Dr. Lee has established himself as a global authority on how immune signals contribute to inflammation, tumor progression, and host-pathogen interactions.
2. Innovation in Translational and Viral Immunology Research
Dr. Lee is widely respected for his ability to translate complex molecular findings into clinically relevant insights. His recent research connects viral immune responses with cancer metastasis and progression, exemplified by his 2024 Cancer Communications article demonstrating that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can induce lung cancer cell migration and invasion via TLR2 activation. This innovative line of research not only shows scientific creativity, but also responds directly to global health challenges by uncovering new immune-oncology interfaces. His work bridges basic science with real-world medical applications, offering potential therapeutic avenues for viral-associated and immune-driven cancers.
3. Sustained High-Impact Research Output and Academic Leadership
Over a distinguished career spanning more than 25 years, Dr. Lee has authored over 150 scientific publications, accumulated more than 4,000 citations (Google Scholar), and achieved an h-index of 32 (Scopus). These metrics reflect the depth and influence of his scientific contributions. Beyond publishing, Dr. Lee has demonstrated academic leadership through his appointment as a Heed Professor at Sungkyunkwan University and as the Chief Officer of its Laboratory Animal Research Center. In these roles, he has fostered collaborative research environments and overseen major translational research projects, further solidifying his standing as a leader in biomedical research and institutional innovation.
4. Discovery of Novel Therapeutic Targets and Mechanistic Insights
Dr. Lee’s research has been instrumental in identifying and characterizing new molecular targets for therapy, particularly in the context of immune regulation and cancer treatment. His group has elucidated the roles of various signaling mediators such as USP21, EGFR, Lyn, PTK2, and FFAR2, showing how their dysregulation contributes to lung and colorectal cancer progression. His recent publications in journals like Biomarker Research and Cell Death Discovery demonstrate that his work continues to uncover critical pathways that may serve as therapeutic entry points. These findings represent valuable contributions to the development of precision medicine strategies and targeted immunotherapies.
5. Global Research Visibility, Collaboration, and Funding Success
Dr. Lee’s reputation extends well beyond national boundaries, as evidenced by his research collaborations, postdoctoral training at Yale University, and frequent invitations to participate in international research networks and editorial boards. He has secured numerous competitive grants from the Korean government as well as global funding agencies, supporting his cutting-edge projects in immunology, oncology, and biomedical innovation. His active participation in the peer-review process for high-impact journals and advisory committees further underscores his standing as a respected and trusted figure in the global scientific community.
Eligibility for the Innovative Researcher Award
Prof. Dr. Ki-Young Lee exemplifies the qualities sought in recipients of the Innovative Researcher Award. His career is defined by original scientific discovery, translational relevance, and global impact. With a strong record of academic leadership, a profound influence on immunology and cancer biology, and continued contributions to pressing health challenges such as COVID-19 and cancer, he is an outstanding candidate for this recognition. His achievements reflect not only innovation in research, but also a long-term commitment to advancing science for the benefit of human health, making him exceptionally well-qualified for this prestigious honor.