Parasitology
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Various parasites infect humans for long periods without killing them, giving rise to tremendous afflictions and social and economic loss. We will develop deep insight into parasitic diseases and the surrounding factors from various points of view through field and laboratory studies. Our goal is to contribute to new knowledge and provide a vibrant environment for the training of future investigators.
Members
- Professor
- Shinjiro Hamano
- Visiting Professor
- Sammy Njenga
- Visiting Professor
- Abhay Satoskar
- Assistant Professor
- Risa Nakamura
- Assistant Professor
- Wanlop Atcharaphan
- Assistant Professor
- Ayako Hyuga
- Research Fellow
- Yuka Tanaka
- Research Fellow
- Yuki Tayama
- Research Fellow
- Noriko Kobayashi
- Research Fellow
- Valanezhad Farzaneh
- Research Fellow
- Bakytbek Shara
- Visiting Researcher
- Sachiyo Nagi
- Visiting Researcher
- Taeko Moriyasu
- Visiting Researcher
- Evans Asena Chadeka
- Visiting Researcher
- Mitsuko Shiroyama
- Visiting Researcher
- Miho Sassa
- Visiting Researcher
- Gwama Mwatsahu Mgala
- Visiting Researcher
- Shumpei Kambe
- Visiting Researcher
- Ngetich Benard Cheruiyot
- Visiting Researcher
- Scholastica Achieng' Wagalla
- Visiting Researcher
- Hildah Akinyi Otieno
- Technologist
- Megumi Hamasaki
- Assistant
- Yasuko Kawabata
- Assistant
- Chiaki Hisata
- Assistant
- Masako Hayashida
- Medical Student
- Suzuka Sera
- Medical Student
- Yuri Tsuji
- Medical Student
- Junki Okayama
Activities
We have been researching parasitic diseases in Mbita and Kwale, Kenya, cooperating with Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and Maseno University. In 2021, we started a new project on schistosomiasis with the support of the MEXT Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A). In 2023, we launched a new project, “Integrated Research and Development for the Control and Elimination of Schistosomiasis”, as the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) project. We also try to develop ideal monitoring and diagnostic methods for schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis with the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT) support. In 2022, we launched "DEJIMA Infectious Disease Research Alliance" as a synergy center for Japan Initiative for World-leading Vaccine Research and Development Centers (SCARDA, AMED).
We have studied host defense mechanisms against Leishmania spp and Trypanosoma cruzi, and in the process, elucidated the function of the IL-12 cytokine family such as IL-27/WSX-1 during the infections. Furthermore, we have developed live attenuated vaccines for leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis by editing genes using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. In addition, we have developed animal models of intestinal amoebiasis and devoted ourselves to studying the molecular basis of the pathogenicity of L.major and E.hystolytica the defense mechanisms of the host to them. In the laboratory, we maintain Schistosoma mansonoi, its intermediate host snails, Brungia malayi, B.pahangi and Aedes aegypti.
Recent main research achievement
- Dey R, Alshaweesh J et al. Nat Commun 2023; 14(1): 7028.
- Alshaweesh J et al. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10(5): e0112622.
- Tanaka M et al. Parasitol Int 2021; 83: 102346.
- Talaam K et al. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; AAC0041821.
- Zhang WW et al. Nat Commun 2020; 11(1): 3461.
- Nakamura R et al. iScience 2020; 23(9): 101544.