Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Immune Regulation

Study of the etiology and pathogenesis of intractable immune diseases
  • Analysis of the intestinal immune system
  • Analysis of intestinal environmental factors that influence the gut homeostasis
  • Analysis of barrier function of the intestinal epithelial layer
Professor Kiyoshi Takeda
Immune Regulation
“The laboratory was founded by Prof. Masaru Kuru and has since passed through Professors Masayasu Kitagawa and Toshiyuki Hamaoka”

Study of the mechanisms regulating intestinal homeostasis for elucidation of the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease

1) Analysis of the intestinal tract immune system

Studies include the analysis of innate immune cells present in intestinal mucosa. We identified unique subsets of innate myeloid cells (CD70 positive dendritic cells, regulatory myeloid cells), which are present only in the intestinal lamina propria in mice and humans, and characterized their functions. How the dysfunction of these cell subsets contributes to the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation is also being examined. [1-6]

2) Analysis of intestinal environmental factors that influence the gut homeostasis

To study the influence of the environmental factors on the intestinal mucosal immune system, we are analyzing germ-free mice and mice fed diets with specific components. It was found that ATP derived from intestinal bacteria and vitamin B9 derived from diet have important roles in the intestinal immune system. We are also examining the effects of other environmental factors on the intestinal immune system. [7-10]

3) Analysis of barrier function of the intestinal epithelial layer

The epithelial cell layer controls how the intestinal immune system interacts with its environment. We are analyzing the barrier function of this layer in the context of the patogenesis of intestinal inflammation. [11-13]

Figure

Based on the above analyses, we seek to clarify the mechanism regulating intestinal homeostasis and clarify how dysreguation of these mechanisms leads to the develoment of inflammatory bowel disease, with a greater goal of regulation of intestinal homeostasis.

【References】

1. Immunity 24, 41-51 (2006).
2. Nature 455, 808-812 (2008).
3. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 109, 5010-5015 (2012).
4. Gastroenterol. 145, 1380-1391 (2013).
5. Nat. Commun. 5, 3704 (2014).
6. J. Exp. Med. (2017).
7. PLoS Pathogens 8, e1002714 (2012).
8. J. Immunol. 189, 2869-2878 (2012).
9. Immunity 42, 279-293 (2015).
10. Arthritis Rheum 68, 2646–2661, (2016).
11. J. Immunol. 190, 774-783 (2013).
12. Nature 532, 117-121 (2016).
13. Mucosal Immunol (2016).