Precision Immune Regulation RIKEN ECL Research Unit

The aim of our research is to understand the cell-to-cell interactions that regulate responses during inflammation and disease induction, with a particular focus on innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). ILCs are the counterparts of helper T cells and are play roles in the direct or indirect regulation of many diseases; however, the mechanisms by which ILCs coordinate immune regulation during disease remains incompletely understood. To address this issue, we analyze spatial transcriptomic analysis and single-cell RNAseq data obtained from human tissue of patients with Crohn’s disease or eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease. In parallel, we employ disease models and genetically modified mice to further dissect the underlying immune mechanisms.

Recently, we identified a unique function of adipose tissue-resident ILC1 in the regulation of acute peritonitis. In addition, through the collaboration with the Center for Brain Science, we successfully isolate a commensal bacterium, which can colonize in the highly acidic environment of stomach. We demonstrated a novel regulatory mechanism in which specific commensal bacteria activate group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) via fibroblasts in the stomach, contributing to host protection against H. pylori. Furthermore, in collaboration with Tsumura Co. Ltd., we also continue to investigate immunity of mice treated with the traditional Japanese Kampo medicines.

Regarding international collaborations, two joint research projects are currently ongoing: (1) “Analysis of type 2 diabetes, diet-induced obesity, and gut microbe” conducted in collaboration with the Institut Pasteur New Caledonia, through the RIKEN-Pasteur Institute network. (2) “Immune cell analysis using advanced imaging technology, ‘Raman microscope”, a joint project with Dr. Hamideh Salehi, the University of Strasbourg (UNISTRA) and Dr. Michalina Gora-Gioux, Wyss Geneva.