Research
The Mucosal Immunology Laboratory is interested in the series of immune responses occurring in various mucosal tissues of the host, particularly in the mucosal tissues of the intestine such as the small or large intestine. The laboratory focuses all its research not merely on laboratory studies, but with the goal of contributing to the treatment of various human diseases.
The research conducted in this laboratory can be broadly summarized into four main directions.
1. Infection & Immunity
: We conduct research to elucidate the host defense mechanisms against specific pathogens by infecting mice with pathogenic bacteria capable of causing intestinal diseases (Salmonella spp., Citrobacter rodentium) and intensively analyzing the innate and adaptive immune responses within the gut.
2. Host & Gut Microbiome Interaction
: Gut microbiota exert a significant influence on various human diseases, prompting ongoing global research to control the gut microbiome and alleviate diverse conditions. Our laboratory is developing diet-based therapeutic agents through gut microbiota by screening specific anaerobic gut bacteria related to host lipid metabolism, directly culturing them, and inoculating them into mice.
3. Signal Transduction
: We establish animal models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) to investigate and analyze signaling pathways within intestinal epithelial cells, thereby identifying new key signal candidates. Furthermore, to elucidate their in vivo roles and mechanisms, we will generate corresponding transgenic knockout mice to examine immune responses and analyze and validate their potential for therapeutic use.
4. Space Biology
: We establish animal models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) to investigate and analyze signaling pathways within intestinal epithelial cells, thereby identifying novel key signaling candidate molecules. Furthermore, to elucidate the in vivo roles and mechanisms of action of these molecules, we will generate corresponding genetically modified knockout mice to examine immune responses and analyze and validate their therapeutic potential.