Molecular Health Sciences

Exogenous and endogenous stressors, such as microorganisms, endocrine disruptor chemicals, UV and injury, induce a wide variety of host defense responses, in which cytokines play important roles. Aberrant induction of cytokines induces acute and many chronic inflammatory diseases. Our studies focused on the effecter and regulatory mechanisms of cytokines in immune and inflammatory reactions, host response against M. tuberculosis, immune disruption mechanisms of chemicals and the relation of stressors and lifestyle related diseases.

Appropriate production of IL-1 induces beneficial effects, however its aberrant production induces deleterious effects. Elucidating the mechanisms of IL-1 production and its effects leads to the therapy of IL-1 related inflammatory diseases. We also developed glyco-conjugated IL-1α, which exhibits selective activity in vivo with lower side effects.