Alarmins
Toward Indentification
of the Effector Molecules
Project 1
Welcome to Tumor Immunobiology, Tohoku University School of Medicine
Thank you for visiting our website! Our research team has a diverse and talented faculty plus a terrific group of energetic and creative graduate students. Coming to Tumor Immunibiology means you can engage in a range of research areas that include basic and translational Tumor Immunology and using state of the art facilities. You can be engaged in discovering critical cells, cell signaling and genetic pathways relevant to Tumor Immunity development and function, investigating human and murine cancers or studying immune–mediated processes in tumor-microenvironment development, inflammation and oncogenesis. Our goal is to develop a novel methodology that enables anti-cancer therapy.
About
Tumor Immunology began in 2006, when Dr. Nobuyuki Tanaka was appointed as PI.
The Tanaka lab is interested in the molecular and cellular basis of Immune response, especially from the aspect of tumor immunobiology. Our research uses transgenic and gene-targeted mice to study innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, apoptosis, and regulation of innate lymphoid cell differentiation. Also, we have a strong background in molecular and cellular biology, and utilize a number of up-to-date techniques.
The Graduate Program
The Graduate Program in Tumorimmunobiology offers a program of study leading to the Master and Ph.D. degree in Tohoku University. The mission of the Tumorimmunology Training Program is to provide outstanding pre-doctoral training in the field of Immunology and Oncology. We seek to provide trainees with the ability to identify significant research questions in tumorimmunobiology, to find solutions to these questions, to think broadly and creatively about biological problems, and to communicate ideas effectively to others. Our goal is to train the next generation of Scientists who contribute to the generation of new knowledge on the basic mechanisms of the tumorimmunobiology and the application of this knowledge to the understanding and treatment of diseases. We welcome trainees from abroad supported by fellowships such as Japanese governmental one, MEXT.
Projects
Alarmins control cancer microenvironment and malignant phenotypes
April 02, 2017
Alarmins are intracellular proteins that are released upon stimulus or damage to the cells. They exert multiple functions to the microenvironment, such as inflammation and angiogenesis. We investigate the roles of alarmins in health and disease, with special focus on tumorimmunobiology.
Innate lymphoid cells in allergy, inflammation and tumorimmunobiology
March 31, 2017
Innate lymphoid cells（ILCs）were found as cells that lack antigen-receptors such as TCR. We investigate their differentiation, proliferation and cell death. Our special focus includes oxidative stress and prostaglandin network that regulate their fate.
Inflammasome complex control by oxidative stress
May 14, 2017
Tumorimmunobiology is closely associated with inflammation. Inflammasome is a central complex that governs the inflammation, by activation of cytokines and cell death. We investigate the mechanism underlying the inflammasome control, and clarify their contribution in tumorimunobiology.
Life in Sendai
Great place to live. Students can enjoy the advantage of living in one of the North-East’s most pleasant and affordable cities. Sendai’s many urban and cultural attractions are matched by a year-round opportunities for outdoor recreations. Many charming shops, Restaurants and Bars, along with city Museum, art Gallery, Aquarium and Zoo. In and around city, you will find everything from a theater to Libraries and Culture center. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy professional Vegarta soccer, 89ers basketball and Eagles baseball. Sendai is about 90 minutes away from Tokyo by the bullet train. Sendai Airport, SDJ, is connected with multiple domestic cities as well as international destinations. Mountains, hot springs and Skiing Resorts are within reach. Enjoy!