LABORATORIES
Microbiology
Faculty
Introduction
Through breathing and eating, our bodies constantly take in pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Nevertheless, we do not get sick because our body has a biological defense mechanism, and it is mainly the function of cells in charge of immunity that prevents pathogen infections.
Under the theme of “Investigating the mechanisms of the immune system to maintain good health,” the Department of Microbiology conducts the following research to elucidate and apply the mechanisms by which immunocompetent cells work (pathogen infections, cancer, inflammation, and allergies) to prevent diseases and develop drugs that control immune responses:
- Analyses of antigen receptors (BCR /TCR repertoires) involved in the immune memory state and its maintenance in disease models (pneumococcal infections, tumor-bearing, ulcerative colitis)
- Analyses of Coronin-1, an immune regulatory molecule (infections, allergies, maturation of immunocompetent cells)
- Analyses of immunomodulatory effects of substances derived from bacteria and fungi
- Production of artificial antibodies against iPS cells and cancer-related antigens
- Development of antibody-based cancer therapies
- Development of new highly sensitive detection methods for inflammatory substances
These studies use experimental techniques based on microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, pharmacology, animal experimentation, and genetics. Through these experiences, we help students gain a deeper understanding of biological products, which will be even more helpful for future works of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists.