Focus on the details, that’s where we find the truth.

We focus on the use of single cell biology techniques such as mass cytometry to decode the complexity of the immune system. We apply this approch to various settings such as infectious diseases and autoimmunity with a particular focus on the regulation of antibody responses.

Main Research themes

1. Single cell biology

2. Mass Cytometry

3. Infectious disease

4. Regulatory T-cells

5. Regulation of antibody responses

Elucidation of mechanisms underlying generation of neutralizing antibodies upon viral infection and development of new vaccine strategies for future pandemic

Our laboratory studies how generation of virus-specific neutralizing antibodies is
regulated during viral infection. Elucidation of this issue will lead to new vaccine strategies for future pandemic. We are particularly focusing on the molecular mechanisms of 1) regulation of B cell activation by follicular helper T cells, and 2) regulation of generation and maintenance of virus-specific plasma cells.

Main Research themes

1. Mechanisms underlying development of follicular helper T cells upon viral infection

2. New vaccine design to elicit cross-reactive, neutralizing antibodies

3. Mechanisms underlying long-term survival of plasma cells

4. Analysis of immune memory in human

Living with viruses

In modern society, where the scope of human activities is rapidly expanding, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases are repeatedly occurring, causing serious damage to society and economy. However, as seen in the modern pandemic caused by SARS-CoV2, it is difficult to predict the emergence of such diseases, and the development of control methods and antiviral agents must be delayed. In our laboratory, we aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of the viral pathogenesis through clarifying virus-host interactions, and to build a system that can prepare therapeutic and preventive methods ahead of time.

Main Research themes

1. Establish various infecitous disease model (primary cells, organoid, animal model)

2. Comprehesive understanding host-virus interactions.

3. Develop useful tools for virus research.

mRNA vaccine and drug development finally in full swing

mRNA is a new drug modality that was first commercialized as a novel coronavirus vaccine. It can be produced by any protein, regardless of the target cell, and is expected to be used for rapid vaccine development against emerging infectious diseases, personalized vaccines applied to cancer immunotherapy, and disease prevention and treatment by directly controlling the function of cells in vivo. Our laboratory will pursue mRNA drug discovery that contributes to improving people's quality of life by setting a wide range of themes from functional mRNA design, DDS development, and analysis of drug efficacy mechanisms.