Yonsei University · Medicine
Professor Hye Jung Park's research lab focuses on immunology and respiratory health, with a strong emphasis on allergic diseases, hypersensitivity reactions, and the impact of environmental factors on immune responses. The lab investigates HLA gene associations with drug-induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions, particularly SJS/TEN linked to allopurinol, and tracks long-term changes in allergen reactivity in Korean populations. Additionally, the lab explores the respiratory toxicity of nanomaterials—especially silica nanoparticles—under various exposure conditions, and examines the clinical progression of patients with PRISm (persistent respiratory symptoms with mild airflow obstruction), highlighting their risk for developing COPD. The research integrates clinical immunology, environmental health, and toxicology to improve patient monitoring and public health strategies in Korea and beyond.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
HLA gene frequencies varied in Korea. Screening of HLA-B*58:01 before the use of allopurinol might be needed to anticipate probability of SJS/TEN.
In light of the above results, we revealed the changes in skin reactivity to inhalant allergens that have occurred in Korean allergic patients over the past three decades. Since outdoor environmental factors such as the amount of pollen, global warming and plant distribution causes the changes in skin reactivity, further study and continuous close observation will be needed.
Silica nanoparticles (SNPs) are widely used in many scientific and industrial fields despite the lack of proper evaluation of their potential toxicity. This study examined the effects of acute exposure to SNPs, either alone or in conjunction with ovalbumin (OVA), by studying the respiratory systems in exposed mouse models. Three types of SNPs were used: spherical SNPs (S-SNPs), mesoporous SNPs (M-SNPs), and PEGylated SNPs (P-SNPs). In the acute SNP exposure model performed, 6-week-old BALB/c fem
PRISm patients are likely to develop COPD, and should be monitored carefully, especially older patients and those with wheezing, regardless of lung function.
The most important inhalant allergens in Korea are house dust mites followed by cockroach, mugwort, oak, Japanese hop, and dog dander in indoor environment, in which The dominant species of house dust mites were different according to region.
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