LAB. OF Immune Regulation | Institute for Life And Medical Sciences, Kyoto University.

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DEPARTMENT OF VIRUS RESEARCHLAB. OF Immune Regulation

Professor

Koichi Ikuta

MESSAGE FROM THE LAB

The immune system has acquired sophisticated control mechanisms as a result of evolution through the war between host and microorganism. Cytokines are the molecules important for the immune system. Our laboratory aims to elucidate control mechanisms on development and response of the immune system by cytokines.

MEMBER

Professor	Koichi Ikuta
Program-Specific Assistant Professor	Shinya Abe

RESEARCH

Elucidation of control mechanisms on development and response of the immune system by cytokines

We are analyzing control mechanisms on development and response of the immune system from the viewpoint of IL-7 by using mutant mice.

Functions of the IL-7 receptor in the immune system

IL-7 receptor (IL-7R) plays important roles in differentiation and maintenance of T cells. We are analyzing the mechanisms how IL-7R controls functions of T cells and DNA recombination of T cell receptor genes, in relation with immunometabolism and epigenetics.

Regulation of IL-7 receptor expression during differentiation and response of immune cells

Expression of the IL-7R receptor (IL-7R) is strictly regulated during development and response of lymphocytes. We revealed that glucocorticoids, with strong immunosuppressive effects, controversially enhance immune response by diurnally controlling IL-7R expression and redistribution of T cells. We are investigating the crosstalk between the immune and endocrine systems and the circadian rhythm and sex difference of the immune system.

Visualization and local function of cytokine-producing cells and discovery of novel innate-like lymphocytes

In addition to lymphocytes, lymphoid tissues contain stromal cells that form the microenvironment supporting development and response of lymphocytes. We elucidate the immune microenvironment by analyzing cytokine-producing stromal cells. In addition, we analyze functions of novel innate-like lymphocytes which depend on tissue IL-15.

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