About us

Our Department

Sep 11, 2020 shooting, before School of Medicine

The Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University has three groups focused on: 1) basic research on immunological memory, in particular, analysis of epigenetic molecular mechanisms and elucidation of formation and maintenance mechanism of memory cells; 2) research on allergic and chronic airway inflammation; and 3) development of immune cell therapy for cancer.

Members of Group 1 seek to discover a molecular control mechanism of "immune memory" a major focus in the area of acquired immune system research, using state-of-the-art technology such as the ChIP-Seq method. Also, they established an in vivo imaging system to analyze where in the body a very few memory cells are kept.

For more than 10 years, our department has been working on allergic airway inflammation (asthma). This research has progressed to the stage to explore the control mechanism of chronic inflammation. Our epigenetics analysis of immune cells and analysis technology of airway inflammation disease model is at the top level in Japan.

Members of Groups 2 and 3 are advancing translational researches to develop novel therapies in collaboration with clinical laboratory (Thoracic Surgery and otolaryngology). We are moving towards the exit of a new trial and an advanced medicine.

In the department, an eight-person academic staff keeps each group together. They spend countless hours experimenting and discussing with graduate students and researchers from Australia, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

Dr. Nakayama heads a G-COE program, which provides the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP) with a globalization focus. Increasing numbers of researchers enjoy HRDP to move around the world. Alumni of our department are currently studying abroad and working internationally as researchers.

We hold Lab Meetings, Journal Clubs, and Joint Workshops (BSJM students arrange a joint-workshop with other departments of Chiba University) to report research progress once a week. Every other Friday evening we enjoy “Happy Hour” to build camaraderie between members (small banquet to talk about “Science” and “Research Life”). Graduate students and young researchers of our department take the first but steady steps towards becoming professional immunity researchers, while maintaining an unbiased view and the enthusiasm to promote cutting-edge immunity research. Why don’t you join us!