I have extensive experience in the study of autoantigens, as well as the isolation of autoantibodies and T cells related to organ-specific autoimmune diseases. My research has focused on animal models for experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) and type 1 diabetes (T1D), where I have investigated various pathways involved in the modification of autoantigens or the alteration of the antigen processing and presentation of T-cell epitopes of autoantigens, specifically thyroglobulin and glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65). One area of my research that has gained recognition is the investigation of exosomes or extracellular microvesicles and their role in inducing autoimmune responses in T1D. I have published three papers in this field. The first publication demonstrated the pro-inflammatory function of exosomes and characterized the antigens expressed in exosomes for T-cell activation ([PMID: 21734072](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21734072)). The second publication revealed the T-independent B-cell response to exosomes ([PMID: 23817982](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23817982)). Lastly, the third publication illustrated that islet mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) release exosomes that activate memory autoreactive B and T cells in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice ([PMID: 24170696](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24170696)). These findings highlight the potential of exosomes a novel source for discovering new antigens involved in autoimmunity. In our recent studies, we aimed to identify antigens present in exosomes released by islet cells. Our research showed that endogenous retrovirus (ERV) antigens, specifically Gag and Env, are highly enriched in the exosomes. Notably, only NOD mice, not T1D-resistant mice, express ERV antigens in islet cells and the released exosomes ([PMID: 28083937](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28083937)). Furthermore, we discovered that Gag has ability to stimulate autoreactive T cells, as demonstrated through a Gag-specific, shRNA-knockdown approach ([PMID: 32335144](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32335144/)). Based on these findings, we propose that ERV-containing pseudo-virus particles or virus-like particles (VLPs) may serve as key antigenic elements within exosomes that contribute to the stimulation of autoimmune responses ([PMID:29080983](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29080983)).

Yang D. Dai

mouse models of autoimmune diseases

About

Experience

Biomedical Research Institute of Southern California

Scripps Research Institute

Join Yang on NotedSource!

Join Now

At NotedSource, we believe that professors, post-docs, scientists and other researchers have deep, untapped knowledge and expertise that can be leveraged to drive innovation within companies. NotedSource is committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry by providing a platform for collaboration with industry and networking with other researchers.

For industry, NotedSource identifies the right academic experts in 24 hours to help organizations build and grow. With a platform of thousands of knowledgeable PhDs, scientists, and industry experts, NotedSource makes connecting and collaborating easy.

For academic researchers such as professors, post-docs, and Ph.D.s, NotedSource provides tools to discover and connect to your colleagues with messaging and news feeds, in addition to the opportunity to be paid for your collaboration with vetted partners.