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Associate Professor

Bernard LEUNG

Associate Professor
PhD (Immunology), University of Glasgow, UK., United Kingdom
Cluster:
Health and Social Sciences
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Biography

My core academic background is in Immunology, a field I've been dedicated to since my time at the University of Glasgow in the UK.

My career in Singapore has involved a deep connection between academia and clinical science. I served as an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS) from 2004 to 2014, and currently as an Adjunct Associate Professor (Physiology) with the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine since October 2016.

Crucially, I have maintained an association with Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) since 2002, and currently hold the position of Visiting Senior Scientist in Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology. This long-standing appointment allows me to bridge the gap between academic research and clinical application, ensuring my work has real-world relevance.

My primary focus is on the fascinating complexities of the immune system. Specifically, my research interests center on autoimmune diseases, immunomodulation, and allergy. I am committed to contributing meaningful insights to these areas, and being a member of the American Association of Immunologists.

SIT Appointments

  • Associate Professor
    – Present

Education

  • PhD (Immunology)
    University of Glasgow, UK. , United Kingdom
  • BSc (Immunology)
    University of Glasgow, UK. , United Kingdom

Achievements

  • COVID-19 Resilience Medal, Singapore
  • NUS Office of Life Sciences Young Investigator Award
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Courage Star Award, Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Professional Memberships

  • American Association of Immunologists
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Research Interests

  • Immunology

    My research interests in the fields of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions, immunodeficiency, and the development of clinical assays are both diverse and important for advancing our understanding of immunology and improving clinical care. 

    Here's a brief overview of each of my research interests:

    1. Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Diseases and Inflammatory Conditions: Investigating the underlying mechanisms and triggers of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions is crucial for developing targeted therapies and interventions.

    2. Immunodeficiency in Infection and Immunity: Understanding immunodeficiency is essential for enhancing our ability to combat infections and maintain overall immune health.

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Journal Papers

  • Lim, X.R., S. Liu, H.S. Howe, K.P. Leong, E. Elangovan, C.H. Huang, K.O. Kong, B.Y. Thong, S. Vasoo, and B.P. Leung, 2025. The role of anti-interferon-α autoantibodies in severe COVID-19: implications for vaccination prioritization. Vaccines (Basel) 13(7):742.

  • Lo, C.N., N.E.J.W. Wong, S. Ho, E.J.H. Ang, and B.P. Leung. 2025. Evaluating the effects of exercise on inflammation markers in musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports 13:168.

  • Tan, X.R., A.T. Lee, K.S. Harve, and B.P. Leung. 2025. Bite-sized structured learning: a preferred self-paced approach that enhanced learning of muscle physiology for allied health students. Adv Physiol Educ 49:96.

  • Lim, X.R., B.P. Leung, E.T.M. Tan, F.L. Chia, G.Y.L. Chan, S.C. Tan, K.P. Leong, C.M. Teo, S.S.M. Lee, J.W.L. Tan, and B.Y. Thong. 2025. Understanding the uncommon: Insights into thymoma associated immunodeficiency. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. doi:10.12932/AP-080724-1887 

  • Lo, C.N., V.Y.E. Teo, N. Manaff, T.C. Seow, K.S. Harve, and B.P. Leung. 2024. A cross-sectional study exploring the relationship between work-related, lifestyle factors and non-specific neck and shoulder pain in a southeast asian population. Healthcare (Basel) 12(18):1861.

  • Chua, C.G., G.T. Chai, X.R. Lim, M. Manghani, B.P. Leung, and L.W. Koh. 2024. Successful rescue treatment of refractory anti-MDA5 autoantibody positive dermatomyositis with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease using daratumumab. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 42:460.

  • Lim, X.R., G.Y.L. Chan, J.W.L. Tan, C.Y.L. Ng, C.G. Chua, G.B. Tan, S.S.W. Chan, K.H. Ong, Y. Z. Tan, S.H.Z. Tan, C.M.L. Teo, S.S.M. Lee, B.Y.H. Thong, and B.P. Leung. 2023. Anaphylatoxin complement 5a in Pfizer BNT162b2-induced immediate-type vaccine hypersensitivity reactions. Vaccines (Basel) 11:1020.

  • Tso, A.C.Y., K.H. Ong, C.L.L. Sum, B.E. Fan, G.Y.L. Chan, D. Christopher, H.S. Howe, Y.W. Lai, X.R. Lim, and B.P. Leung. 2023. Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A rare coincidence after COVID-19 mRNA vaccine? Semin. Thromb. Hemost. 49:89.

  • Lim, X.R., J.W.L. Tan, G.Y.L. Chan, J.F. Hou, L.L. Xie, V.H.L. Goh, J. Boon, S.S. M. Lee, C.M.-L. Teo, S.C. Tan, K.P. Leong, B.Y.H. Thong, and B.P. Leung. 2022. Evaluation of patients with vaccine allergies prior to mRNA-Based COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 10:1025.

  • Howe, H.S., L.M. Ling, E. Elangovan, S. Vasoo, M.Y. Abdad, B.Y.H. Thong, K.O. Kong, and Leung, B.P. 2021. Plasma IP-10 could identify early lung disease in severe COVID-19 patients. Ann. Acad. Med, Singap, 50:856.

  • Howe, H.S., and B.P. Leung. 2020. Anti-cytokine autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus. Cells 9:72.

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