At the NIH, Dr Chen continued his studies on the mechanisms of antigen processing/presentation, immunodominance and CD8+ T cell epitope selection. During this time, Dr Chen discovered the 11th influenza A virus gene product. In this position, he expanded his research to include translational tumor immunology and cancer vaccine. Dr Chen’s lab is currently focusing on innate immune cell and T cell responses to influenza A virus. More specifically, the initiation and maintenance of anti-viral T cell response in murine models; antigen cross-presentation, immunodominance and regulatory T cells and their function in anti-viral immunity in humans. Dr Chen’s lab is also actively involved in anti-tumour immunity and vaccine development.

Dr Chen has been a member of NHMRC and Cancer council grant review panels, a frequent reviewer for >30 international journals and many international funding agencies. He has published more than 130 articles. Dr Chen currently A Chief Investigator on the NHMRC influenza program including Nobel Laureate Professor Peter Doherty.