Innovative Medicine
Overview
Our aim is to establish a novel and innovative treatment for allergic and inflammatory disease. We explore the roles of stromal cells, an important component of mucosal ecological network, and discover innovative treatments for mucosal allergic, inflammatory, immunological disorders (please see our recent publications).
SCAI project is to uncover
how Structural Cells Affect/Alter/Ameliorate Immunity/Inflammation/Infection.
We have also recently uncovered “host regulatory system (organ-axis) against pathogenic commensal bacteria”. We aim to elucidate and apply the regulatory mechanism for the regulation of pathogenic commensal bacteria mediated various inflammatory diseases.
Associate Professor:
Yosuke Kurashima Ph.D.
TEL: +81-43-226-2848
e-mail: yosukek●chiba-u.jp
URL: http://www.m.chiba-u.jp/class/innovativemed/index-e.html
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Research & Education
Located at the outermost layer of the body, epithelial cells are essential our body’s physical and chemical barrier against pathogens and antigens alike. However, epithelial cells require a complex support system located beneath them. Mucosal stromal cells, traditionally known solely for their role in the production of the extracellular matrix and the support of epithelial cells, is one of these supporting cells, or structural cells.
Recently, our lab has found that these multifaceted cells are not merely just support cells, but are responsible for peripheral education of immune cells as well as regulation of epithelial cell differentiation (SCAI project).
In addition, alterations in these mesenchymal cell function can lead to organ dysfunction (e.g., fibrosis). We hope to further elucidate these complex functions and their relation to diseases to develop a deeper understanding of mucosal stromal cells .
Recent Publications
- Kamioka M. et al., Intestinal commensal microbiota and cytokines regulate Fut2 + Paneth cells for gut defense. PNAS. 2022
- Zhang Z. et al., Two sides of the coin: Mast cells as a key regulator of allergy and acute/chronic inflammation. Cells. 2021
- Kurashima Y. et al., Pancreatic glycoprotein 2 is a first line of defense for mucosal protection in intestinal inflammation. Nature Communications. 2021
- Takasato Y. et al., Orally desensitized mast cells form a regulatory network with Treg cells for the control of food allergy. Muosal Immunology. 2020
- Matsumura S. et al., Stratified layer analysis reveals intrinsic leptin stimulates cryptal mesenchymal cells for controlling mucosal inflammation. Scientific Reports. 2020
- Kurashima Y. et al., Intrinsic control of surface immune and epithelial homeostasis by tissue-resident gut stromal cells. Frontiers in Immunology. 2019
- Takemura N. et al., Eosinophil depletion suppresses radiation-induced small intestinal fibrosis. Science Translational Medicine. 2018
- Kurashima Y. et al., Mucosal ecological network of epithelium and immune cells for gut homeostasis and tissue healing. Annual Review of Immunology. 2017