Experimental Immunology
Overview
The laboratory of Experimental Immunology was established on 1st April of 2021, for aiming primarily to clarify the novel mechanism of immune systems, especially mediated by T cells, which play a central role in the adoptive immunity. We study on T cell development, differentiation, function and T cell-mediated immune diseases such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and cancer that are consequence of the disorder of our immune systems.
T cells are very special cells that develop in the thymus through which T cells acquire the ability to recognize “self” and theoretically self-reactive T cells are eliminated in the thymus to prevent autoimmune diseases. However, our body is not so simple, and many self-reactive T cells such as regulatory T cells exist in our body, playing essential roles on the prevention of autoimmune diseases as well as tissue repair and homeostasis. Yet, the molecular mechanisms of such T cell-mediated functions are still largely unknown.
Further, our laboratory conducts the research for the clinical application such as the development of new cancer immunotherapy, based on our basic research.
Professor:
Motoko Y. Kimura, Ph.D.
TEL: +81-43-226-2182
FAX: +81-43-311-3610
e-mail: kimuramo●chiba-u.jp
URL: https://www.m.chiba-u.jp/dept/experimental-immunology/
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Research & Education
- Molecular mechanisms of T cell development, differentiation and function
1) Thymic development and function of T cells including regulatory T cells and innate type T cells such as iNKT cells and gdT cells
2) T cell mediated tissue homeostasis and autoimmune diseases - Molecular mechanisms of anti-tumor immune responses and its regulation
1) Tumor specific CD8 T cell differentiation and its function
2) Role of regulatory T cells on anti-tumor immunity
3) Development of new cancer immunotherapy targeting CD69 molecule - Molecular mechanisms of inflammatory diseases mediated by CD69-Myl9 system, which we proposed in 2016 that a novel system recruiting inflammatory cells into inflamed tissues
Recent Publications
- #Hayashizaki, K., #Kimura, M.Y., #Tokoyoda. K., et al.: Myosin light chain 9 and 12 are functional ligands for CD69 that regulate airway inflammation.
Sci.Immunol. 1:eaaf9154, 2016. #Co-first Author - *Kimura, M.Y., Thomas, J., Tai, X., et al.: Timing and duration of MHC I positive selection signals are adjusted in the thymus to prevent lineage errors.
Nat.Immunol. 17:1415-23, 2016. *Corresponding Author - *Kimura, M.Y., Igi, A., Hayashizaki, K., et al.: CD69 prevents PLZFhi innate precursors from prematurely exiting the thymus and aborting NKT2 cell differentiation.
Nat.Commun. 9: 3749, 2018. *Corresponding Author - Mita, Y., *Kimura, M.Y., Hayashizaki, K., et al.: Crucial role of CD69 in anti-tumor immunity through regulating the exhaustion of tumor-infiltrating T cells.
Int.Immunol. dxy050, 2018. Awarded the “Outstanding Merit Award 2018”, *Corresponding Author - Yokoyama, M., *Kimura, M.Y., Ito, T., et al.: Myosin light chain 9/12 regulates the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.
Front.Immunol. 11: 594297, 2021. *Corresponding Author