Immunobiology
Akemi NISHIKAWA, Ph.D., Professor
Yoshio ISHIBASHI, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Katsuhiko MATSUI, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Our principal research interests involve investigating the immunological basis of atopic dermatitis (AD) and superficial fungal infections.
AD is a frequent chronic inflammatory skin disease. Some fungal colonization of the skin may exacerbate AD severity. Current projects focus on the identification and characterization of fungal allergens. Additionally, we are investigating the roles of keratinocyte-derived cytokines in the pathogenesis of AD.
Epidermal keratinocytes play a role in host defense against superficial fungal infections. Our current research mainly involves investigation of the cytokine profiles of epidermal keratinocytes in response to fungal pathogens. The cytokine profiles of keratinocytes may aid in proving the clinical features of fungal skin infections.
We also study allergic inflammation and its cytokine network. In this study, we analyze cytokine network for Th1/Th2 immunoresponse induced by bacterial infection and investigate new ways to control allergic inflammation.
