Research Theme

• Development and application of small molecules that can improve the vaccine efficacy through the enhancement of cellular immunity

Keyword

• Cellular immunity
• Cytotoxic T cells (CTL)
• BCG
• Immunological memory

Overview of Research

• Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) recognize infected cells in an antigen-specific manner and play an important role in host defense through cellular immunity. In the vaccine development, the methods that can induce protective CTLs while minimizing the side effects due to inflammation are expected.
• We will evaluate novel BCG-derived adjuvants and recombinant BCG vaccines from multiple perspectives as indicators of CTL killer activity and bioprotective effects. We will thereby contribute to the development of vaccines for tuberculosis and pan-coronavirus infections, in which CTLs play a central role in the prevention of disease onset and development.
• We will elucidate elucidate the regulatory factors involved in CTL activation and memory formation, and enhance vaccine efficacy with small molecule drugs.