Duke University · Social ScienceAir Pollution and Inflammation Research Lab
Junfeng Zhang · Durham, North Carolina
Research Focus
Dr. Junfeng Zhang's lab explores how air pollution, specifically fine particulate matter (PM2.5), affects inflammation in the lungs, particularly looking at how this response may differ in individuals with asthma and between genders. They study the body's natural mechanisms to resolve inflammation, known as specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), and how these processes can be impaired by environmental factors. The lab combines laboratory experiments with observational studies to provide insights into how air pollutants affect respiratory health.
air pollutioninflammation resolutionasthmasex differencesspecialized pro-resolving mediators
Research Aims
4AIM 01Investigate the impact of PM2.5 on SPM biosynthesis and inflammatory resolution in the lungs.
AIM 02Examine differences in inflammation resolution associated with asthma and sex.
AIM 03Measure the relationships between PM2.5 exposure and SPM levels in nasal fluid and sputum.
AIM 04Analyze the mediating role of SPMs on health outcomes related to air pollution exposure.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturemolecular biology techniquesbiomarker analysislongitudinal study designdata collection and analysisex vivo experimentationclinical health assessmentsenvironmental exposure measurementchemical characterization of air pollutants
Output against the department
Publications699top 3% of dept.2nd of 77
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations25ktop 6% of dept.5th of 77
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.