Professor Cao’s research has focused on the molecular mechanisms of innate immune recognition and signalling, particularly the identification and characterisation of pattern-recognition receptors, the regulation of inflammatory responses, and the implications of these processes for tumour immunity and cancer therapy. Through the integration of molecular immunology, cell biology, and translational medicine, his research has advanced understanding of the roles of Toll-like receptors, RIG-I-like receptors, and long non-coding RNAs in immune surveillance, inflammatory regulation, and the tumour microenvironment. His work has also contributed to the development of dendritic cell-based cancer vaccines and approaches targeting immune checkpoints, facilitating the translation of fundamental immunological findings into therapeutic strategies. He has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals, including Nature, Science, Cell, and Nature Immunology, with an h-index exceeding 80 and tens of thousands of citations. Beyond his research contributions, he has played an active role in national scientific programmes, international academic collaborations, and health policy development. Collectively, his work reflects a sustained research programme connecting fundamental advances in immunology with the clinical challenges of cancer treatment, disease prevention, and public health.