Overview
Dr. Kwun is currently the Director of Transplant Basic Science Research at the Duke Transplant Center.
Research interests include humoral tolerance to organ transplants in animal model and humans, developing a clinically relevant animal model to study the mechanisms of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), and establishing a conceptual basis that will translate into therapeutic intervention of AMR.
Research interests include humoral tolerance to organ transplants in animal model and humans, developing a clinically relevant animal model to study the mechanisms of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), and establishing a conceptual basis that will translate into therapeutic intervention of AMR.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor in Surgery
·
2026 - Present
Surgery, Abdominal Transplant Surgery,
Surgery
Associate Professor of Pathology
·
2023 - Present
Pathology,
Clinical Science Departments
Recent Publications
Pathologic evaluation of pig kidney and heart xenografts: 2024 recommendations from the Banff Xenotransplantation Pathology Working Group.
Journal Article Am J Transplant · April 14, 2026 The purpose of this white paper is to recommend essential reporting standards for pathologic characterization of kidney and heart xenografts in humans. This proposal is based on the current classifications for human kidney and heart allografts, with additi ... Full text Link to item CiteSelective impact on regulatory T cells with sustained functional phenotypes by the interleukin-2 mutein VIS171 in a nonhuman primate model.
Journal Article Am J Transplant · March 16, 2026 The interleukin-2 mutein, VIS171, was engineered to extend half-life and enhance selective binding and expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing high levels of the trimeric interleukin-2 receptor. This study evaluated the effects of VIS171 on immu ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Simultaneous Targeting of Immunoglobulin G and M Using Endopeptidase for Humoral Rejection in Xenotransplantation
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2025 - 2028Overcoming humoral rejection after xenotransplantation in sensitized nonhuman primate recipients
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2023 - 2028Promoting Tolerance via In Vivo Expansion of Endogenous Tregs and donor-Specific CAR Tregs with IL-2 Mutein
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Massachusetts General Hospital · 2025 - 2027View All Grants
Education
University of Wisconsin, Madison ·
2007
Ph.D.