Molecular Immunology

Our laboratory investigates regulatory mechanisms of immune-cell trafficking (adhesion and migration). Adhesion molecules integrins play important roles in lymphocyte homing to peripheral lymphoid organs and leukocyte migration through the inflamed endothelium, and adhesive interactions to antigen-presenting cells. We identified small GTPase Rap1 as a crucial regulator of integrin-dependent cell attachment and migration during these processes. We further clarified the Rap1 signaling pathway to integrins, which abnormal regulation led to a breakdown of self-tolerance due to impaired thymocyte selections and regulatory T cells development and functions. Combined with mice models of immune diseases, we are developing various tissue imaging methods and pursuing therapeutic strategies of intractable immune diseases by controlling immune cell adhesion.

Based on its founding spirit, KMU’s educational philosophy seeks to prepare good,humanistic physicians who embrace the spirit of scientific inquiry, liberal arts, and aglobal outlook, all of which flourish in our academic tradition of freedom, autonomyand self-motivated study. KMU promotes the following educational goals:

1. Acquire skills in scientific observation, critical analysis and expression

2. Master medical knowledge and skills that contribute to our society and the world

3. Foster physicians who understand their patients’ pain and point of view

4. Cultivate in physicians the ability to solve problems independently and to seek new knowledge throughout their

   lives