Dr. Tao, Mi-Hua 's orcid link picture Dr. Tao, Mi-Hua 's publons link picture Dr. Tao, Mi-Hua 's Youtube

Dr. Tao, Mi-Hua

Research Fellow
  • 02-2789-9151 (L) (Lab) (Room No: N229)
  • 02-2652-3078 (O) (Office)
  • 02-2782-9142 (Fax)

Specialty:

mRNA neoantigen cancer vaccine

COVID-19 mRNA vaccine

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy

Cancer immunotherapy

Hepatitis B immunotherapy

Translational medicine


Education and Positions:
  • Ph.D.  Columbia University (Microbiology and Immunology).

    Postdoctoral Fellow.  Stanford University (Oncology)


  • 感染性檢體流式細胞儀使用規則(2017)

  • Our lab focuses on harnessing the immune system to combat tumors and infectious diseases, aiming for long-term cures for cancer and chronic hepatitis B. We develop cutting-edge technologies, including DNA and mRNA vaccines, adeno-associated viral vector-based gene therapy, small interfering RNA therapies, and advanced animal models. We are currently conducting an Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling study for a mRNA neoantigen cancer vaccine. As the coordinator of Academia Sinica’s Biotechnology Research Park Translation (BRPT) projects, our team helps researchers in Academia Sinica translate their fundamental discoveries into potential clinical applications.

    mRNA Neoantigen Cancer Vaccine Development. While immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy, their limited response rates highlight the need for more targeted approaches. Neoantigen-based cancer vaccines offer a promising solution by enhancing tumor-specific T cell responses, potentially preventing relapse after initial treatments. Following a successful proof-of-concept study demonstrating strong immunogenicity and tumor protection, we are advancing our mRNA neoantigen cancer vaccine to clinical readiness. In collaboration with industry partners, we are progressing through Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) processes and conducting toxicology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics studies. Working closely with clinicians, we are designing a Phase 1 clinical trial and consulting regulatory agencies to finalize our IND application package.

    Generation of GPCR Monoclonal Antibodies for Cancer Immunotherapy. META1, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), plays a key role in tumor growth, metastasis, and tumor-associated macrophage-mediated immunosuppression, making it a promising therapeutic target. Developing antibodies against GPCRs is challenging due to their complex membrane structure. We established a novel method to generate monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting GPCRs, using META1 as proof of concept. Our human META1-specific mAbs show no cross-reactivity with mouse META1 and significantly suppress human cancer cell growth in mouse models. We are now characterizing these mAbs to identify candidates for preclinical development.

    Curative Immunotherapy for Chronic Hepatitis B. While vaccines prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, they offer no relief for those already infected, and current antiviral therapies suppress HBV without providing a cure. To address this unmet medical need, we have developed multiple HBV disease models and a cytokine-based immunotherapy that achieves viral clearance in animal studies. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we are uncovering the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this therapy, aiming to translate these findings into clinical solutions for chronic HBV.

    The Role of Tumor-Associated Neutrophils in Cancer Immunotherapy. The function of neutrophils within the tumor microenvironment remains controversial, posing a significant challenge in optimizing cancer immunotherapy. Our research has shown that radiation combined with immunotherapy alters neutrophil numbers, phenotypes, and functions within the tumor microenvironment. Using advanced multi-omics technologies, we are uncovering the mechanisms behind these changes. Given that neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells, understanding and manipulating their role could open new avenues for cancer treatment.

    Development of Novel AAV Strains for Targeted Gene Therapy. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies have shown promise with recent drug approvals for various genetic diseases. However, natural AAV strains are effective in only a few human tissues, limiting their broader applications. To address this, we created a chimeric AAV capsid library using SCHEMA-guided protein recombination, comprising over a million variants. Our proof-of-concept study identified novel capsids with over 30- to 100-fold improved transduction in cancer cell lines. We are now screening these capsids in iPSC-derived human cells to enhance gene delivery across diverse tissues, aiming for broader clinical applications.

    Bridging Fundamental Research and Early Drug Development. While many groundbreaking therapies originate from academic research, fundamental scientists often lack the knowledge needed to translate discoveries into viable drugs. As CEO of the Translational Medicine Division at the Biomedical Translation Research Center, Dr. Tao has identified key gaps between basic science and drug development. Collaborating with industry experts, we designed streamlined educational modules that provide researchers with essential concepts in translational research, enabling them to advance their innovations without detracting from their primary research focus. This initiative aims to inspire more scientists to bring their discoveries closer to clinical application.

    Our Team
    Team photo

    Journal 88 Book 0

    1. Chung CY, Sun CP, Tao MH, Wu HL, Wang SH, Yeh SH, Zheng QB, Yuan Q, Xia NS, Ogawa K, Nakashima K, Suzuki T, Chen PJ Major HBV splice variant encoding a novel protein important for infection.. Journal of hepatology 80(6), 858-867 (2024) [JCR] [WOS]
    2. Chou SC, Yen CT, Yang YL, Chen SH, Wang JD, Fan MN, Chen LF, Yu IS, Tsai DY, Lin KI, Tao MH, Wu JC, Lin SW Recapitulating the immune system of hemophilia A patients with inhibitors using immunodeficient mice.. Thrombosis research 235, 155-163 (2024) [JCR] [WOS]
    3. Lu RM, Liang KH, Chiang HL, Hsu FF, Lin HT, Chen WY, Ke FY, Kumari M, Chou YC, Tao MH, Yi-Ling Lin, Wu HC Broadly neutralizing antibodies against Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 derived from mRNA-lipid nanoparticle-immunized mice.. Heliyon 9(5), e15587 (2023) [JCR] [WOS]
    4. Sun CP, Chiu CW, Wu PY, Tsung SI, Lee IJ, Hu CW, Hsu MF, Kuo TJ, Lan YH, Chen LY, Ng HY, Chung MJ, Liao HN, Tseng SC, Lo CH, Chen YJ, Liao CC, Chang CS, Liang JJ, Draczkowski P, Puri S, Chang YC, Huang JS, Chen CC, Kau JH, Chen YH, Liu WC, Wu HC, Danny Hsu ST, Wang IH, Tao MH Development of AAV-delivered broadly neutralizing anti-human ACE2 antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants.. Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy 31(11), 3322-3336 (2023) [JCR] [WOS]
    5. Kao CY, Pan YC, Hsiao YH, Lim SK, Cheng TW, Huang SW, Wu SM, Sun CP, Tao MH, Mou KY Improvement of Gene Delivery by Minimal Bacteriophage Particles.. ACS nano 17(15), 14532-14544 (2023) [JCR] [WOS]
    6. Sung PS, Sun CP, Tao MH, Hsieh SL Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2-mediated thromboinflammation by CLEC2.Fc.. EMBO molecular medicine 15(7), e16351 (2023) [JCR] [WOS]
    7. Huang HC, Wang SH, Fang GC, Chou WC, Liao CC, Sun CP, Jan JT, Ma HH, Ko HY, Ko YA, Chiang MT, Liang JJ, Kuo CT, Lee TA, Morales-Scheihing D, Shen CY, Chen SY, McCullough LD, Cui L, Wernig G, Tao MH, Lin YL, Chang YM, Wang SP, Lai YJ, Li CW Upregulation of PD-L1 by SARS-CoV-2 promotes immune evasion.. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY Online ahead of print, Online ahead of print (2023) [JCR] [WOS]
    8. Kumari Monika, Lu Ruei-Min, Li Mu-Chun, Huang Jhih-Liang, Hsu Fu-Fei, Ko Shih-Han, Ke Feng-Yi, Su Shih-Chieh, Liang Kang-Hao, Yuan Joyce Pei-Yi, Chiang Hsiao-Ling, Sun Cheng-Pu, Lee I.-Jung, Li Wen-Shan, Hsieh Hsing-Pang, Tao Mi-Hua, Wu Han-Chung A critical overview of current progress for COVID-19: development of vaccines, antiviral drugs, and therapeutic antibodies. Journal of Biomedical Science 29(1), 68 (2022-9-12) [JCR] [WOS]
    9. Lee IJ, Sun CP, Wu PY, Lan YH, Wang IH, Liu WC, Yuan JP, Chang YW, Tseng SC, Tsung SI, Chou YC, Kumari M, Lin YS, Chen HF, Chen TY, Lin CC, Chiu CW, Hsieh CH, Chuang CY, Cheng CM, Lin HT, Chen WY, Hsu FF, Hong MH, Liao CC, Chang CS, Liang JJ, Ma HH, Chiang MT, Liao HN, Ko HY, Chen LY, Ko YA, Yu PY, Yang TJ, Chiang PC, Hsu ST, Lin YL, Lee CC, Wu HC, Tao MH A booster dose of Delta x Omicron hybrid mRNA vaccine produced broadly neutralizing antibody against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants.. Journal of Biomedical Science 29(1), 49 (2022) [JCR] [WOS]
    10. Jung Lee I, Lan YH, Wu PY, Wu YW, Chen YH, Tseng SC, Kuo TJ, Sun CP, Jan JT, Ma HH, Liao CC, Liang JJ, Ko HY, Chang CS, Liu WC, Ko YA, Chen YH, Sie ZL, Tsung SI, Lin YL, Hsuan Wang I, Tao MH A receptor-binding domain-based nanoparticle vaccine elicits durable neutralizing antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern.. Emerging Microbes & Infections 1-45, 1-45 (2022) [JCR] [WOS]

    - POSTDOC -
    member
    Lo, Chia-Hui
    member
    Lee, I-Jung
    - RESEARCH ASSOCIATES -
    member
    Chen, Charlie
    member
    Chuang, Chen-Ying
    - VISITOR -
    member
    Sun, Cheng-Pu

     

    2023 Research Highlights of Academia Sinica

    2023 Academia Sinica Outstanding Academic Research Award (中央研究院特優學術研究獎)

    2022 Outstanding Biomedical Award, 18th Tien Te Lee Biomedical Awards (第十八屆永信李天德醫藥科技獎)

    2003  Outstanding Research Award, National Science Council, Taiwan (國科會傑出研究獎).

    2001  ISI Citation Classic Award for  “Most-Cited Papers” from 1981-1999 in Taiwan. (ISI台灣經典引文獎).

    2000  Outstanding Research Award, National Science Council, Taiwan (國科會傑出研究獎)

    1999  Research Award for Junior Research Investigators, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan (中央研究院年輕學者研究著作獎).

    1991  Postdoctoral Fellowship, The Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research, USA.

    1991  Fellowship in Cancer Research, Stanford University, USA.