General Summary　

We are studying bacterial pathogenesis and host immune responses to bacteria and fungi. In particular, we focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus and the pathogenesis of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. We also conduct researches for finding molecular targets to prevent biofilm-associated infections and for development of new pneumococcal vaccines. Active collaborative researches with several basic and clinical laboratories have been conducted.

Research Topics

■ Development of new vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae

■ Induction mechanisms for production of antibodies required for protection against bacterial infections

■ Molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus and Escherihia coli

■ Development of anti-biofilm drugs

■ Imaging of biofilms in solution by atmospheric scanning electron microscopy

■ Quality control of the bacterial amyloid secretion system

English/Japanease