Research Topics: Immune memory formation in teleost fish

Aquaculture is a rapidly growing industry worldwide, and one of its greatest challenges is fish disease. Like other vertebrates, fish possess an immune system that protects them from infection. Our research focuses on the spatiotemporal regulation of the fish immune system: where in the body pathogens encounter immune cells, how these immune tissues are formed and maintained, and how immune responses are initiated. By elucidating these mechanisms, we aim to contribute to the development of new technologies to prevent and control diseases in aquaculture species.

Research topic: Identification and functional analysis of fish leukocytes

Fish, like humans, have leukocytes (white blood cells) in their blood that play central roles in immune defense. Among these, lymphocytes possess immunological memory, enabling them to “remember” pathogens they have previously encountered. However, the diversity and functions of lymphocyte subsets in fish remain incompletely understood.

In our laboratory, we develop tools to identify fish lymphocyte subsets (B cells and T cells) and investigate their functions in detail. Through this work, we aim to clarify how fish leukocytes contribute to immune responses and long-term protection against disease.

Research topic: Characterization of the tiger puffer “kuchishirosho” virus and host immune responses

Kuchishirosho is a lethal viral disease of tiger puffer that causes severe neurological disorders and occurs frequently in aquaculture settings. However, the causative virus responsible for this disease has not yet been identified. In this project, we aim to elucidate the genetic characteristics of the kuchishirosho virus and to investigate the host immune mechanisms involved in protection, with the goal of developing effective strategies to prevent and control infection.

研究内容：サケマスの海面養殖の効率性に影響を与えるストレス要因の探索 

サケマスの海面養殖の効率性を向上させるために、耐病性と摂餌行動を指標とする海水馴致時ストレスを探索し、当該ストレスを軽減させる研究を行っています。