Regulating immunity via RNA and treating diseases

While immune system activation is crucial for defending against pathogens, excessive activation can cause various diseases, including autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Immune cell activation is controlled by messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Although mRNA vaccines have increased awareness of RNA, much remains unknown about its regulation in the body and fate after administration. My research investigates the regulatory mechanism of the immune system through the degradation of mRNAs, aiming to uncover the full scope of RNA-mediated immune regulation. By manipulating this regulatory “brake” using cutting-edge nucleic acid therapeutics, we could potentially develop new treatments for immune-related diseases.

URL

https://mc.mfour.med.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ (in Japanese)