Staff introduction
Assistant Director
- Associate Professor Kiichi WATANABE
- There is currently no fundamental treatment for many neurological disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases. I have been engaged in basic research in neural development and, more recently, neuroscience. I also have developed a method for selectively inducing neurons from pluripotent stem cells (SFEB method), which has the potential to advance stem cell therapy for these diseases. I would like to integrate my research background in neuroscience and stem cell research and focus on fundamental research for developing a breakthrough treatment for uncured neurological disorders driven by a rigorous understanding of brain function.
Division of Translational Research
Staff introduction
- Professor Keichiro MIHARA
- Our research focuses on the development of new CARs, the non-exhausted T cells, and the memory T cells. In line with the concept of CAR-T therapy from basic research to clinical application, we aim to promote new CAR-T therapy and T cell therapy worldwide. We are creating CAR backbone vectors targeting several molecules expressed in hematological tumors and solid tumors, as well as molecules thought to improve the tumor microenvironment. Using these vectors, we are building a foundation that can be used “anytime,” “anywhere,” “for anyone,” and “as many times as necessary.”
- Senior Assistant Professor Nobuko OHSHIMA
- I have generated a large number of phage antibody libraries from blood B cells by phage display technology and have been isolating and analyzing antibodies against target antigens from the libraries. I would like to continue to do research that leads to improved clinical practice.
- Research Associate Yoshitaka IBA
- CAR-T therapy is expected to become a method for cancer therapy. I am studying CAR-T immunotherapy to develop novel methods for cancer therapy under Professor Keichiro Mihara who is considered the top researcher on CAR-T.
- Research Associate Yuji HATTORI
- CAR-T therapy is a promising treatment for hematopoietic diseases and solid tumors.
My research would hopefully contribute to the advancement of treatment for these intractable diseases.
- Associate Professor Takahiko SATO
- I have conducted basic research using skeletal muscle stem cells, the source of muscle development and regeneration, and have aimed to establish cell culture technology for these stem cells. I would promote research on the treatment of intractable muscle diseases using human muscle stem cells and myogenic cells derived from iPS cells, and research on regenerative medicine for aging-related muscular atrophy.
- Researcher Honoka KOJIMA
- I am trying research aimed at developing cancer treatments, with a focus on CAR-T therapy, every day. I work hard to acquire knowledge and skills and aim to become a researcher who can contribute to society in any way possible.
- Graduate Student Zahra Fatima Tuz
- I am a doctoral student from Bangladesh currently receiving training in the field of cancer immunotherapy under the guidance of Professor Keiichiro Mihara. Supported by the MEXT scholarship, my research is focused on learning and contributing to the development of CAR-T cell-based therapies. CAR-T cell therapy holds great promise, especially for treating hematologic malignancies, and there is growing interest in extending its effectiveness to solid or immune “cold” tumors. Within the collaborative environment of the lab, I aim to gradually develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make meaningful contributions to the field.
Cell Processing Center
Staff introduction
- Senior Assistant Professor Yasuharu NIWA
- To promote advanced medical projects such as regenerative medicine and cancer therapy at Fujita Medical University, we are trying to operate and manage facilities that can meet the demands and the viewpoint of research from the academia and the company.
Division of Immune Regenerative Medicine
Staff introduction
- Professor Horoshi KAWAMOTO
- I have been dedicated to research on basic immunology for many years, but I have gradually focused on research aiming at clinical application for the past 10 years. I am participating in research activities at Fujita Health University using a cross-appointment system with Kyoto University. Currently, development research on a highly universal off-the-shelf T cell preparation that was regenerated from iPS cells is being conducted. I am promoting its application to cancer immunotherapy at Kyoto University and to the treatment of COVID-19 infection at Fujita Health University.
- Associate Professor Takakazu KAWASE
- I have been devoting myself to clinical practice, the teaching of hematology, and basic research that leads to development of T cell therapies. By utilizing the experience I have cultivated so far and the resources of our center, I will strive to develop and disseminate novel T cell therapy that can save many patients around the world.
- Senior Assistant Professor Takahiko MIYAMA
- We have been exploring the mechanism by which specific T-cell clonotypes are selected for effective immune responses against virus and tumor antigens. T cell therapy is a potential treatment for cancers and viral infections. We strive to develop safer and more effective T cell therapies.
- Technical Staff Kazue ISOGAI
- I am so happy to work with researchers who are enthusiastically engaged in developing new treatments for patients suffering from intractable diseases. I would like to contribute to their work.