Yoko Kitagawa

Cells of the immune system, such as white blood cells, protect us from infectious diseases, but can also cause immune disorders when they improperly function. I am studying how immune cells are controlled at the molecular level using iPS cells and utilizing genome analysis to understand better the pathogenesis of immune disorders.

iPS cells are extremely useful for understanding the pathogenesis of immune disorders. One advantage of using iPS cells is that we can conduct research using human somatic cells with the same genetics as diseased patients. Importantly, environmental factors that contribute to the pathology, such as lifestyle habits, can be removed, allowing us to examine specifically the underlying genetic factors. I can focus solely on the function of genes and molecules in immune cells and evaluate only the genetic factors of diseases through iPS cells.

For example, in June 2021, we examined the characteristics of immune cells in patients with a rare disease called “Blau syndrome*,” which causes specific autoimmune inflammation, and corroborated the scientific basis of its treatment. We are also currently studying the genetic factors contributing to severe cases of COVID-19.

By further understanding how the genome impacts immune cell functions, I believe we can develop therapies that target the root causes of diseases. For example, in our study of Blau syndrome, we identified that molecules that cause inflammation due to genetic mutations in immune cells have abnormal activity. This discovery may lead to the development of drugs that inhibit this abnormal activity in the future.

I studied in England for 10 years from high school and obtained a Ph.D. from Osaka University. I chose CiRA as a place where I could balance child-rearing and conducting immunological research that could be applied to medical applications.

In the future, I hope to contribute to personalized medicine through my current research. For example, decoding one's genome makes it possible to predict the diseases one is susceptible to and the disease severity one is likely to experience. This will enable preventative measures and effective treatments tailored to each individual.

(Translation: CiRA International Public Communications Office, Research Promoting Office)