Research and Education

nterleukin-7 (IL-7) is a cytokine important for differentiation and maintenance of lymphocytes. Focusing on IL-7 and IL-7 receptor (IL-7R), our laboratory is now pursuing the following research projects.

1. Function of IL-7R in differentiation, maturation, and response of immune cells: IL-7 is involved in regulation of T lymphocyte response. We are analyzing this process in relation with T cell metabolism.
2. Regulation of IL-7R expression: Expression of the IL-7R is strictly regulated during developmental stages of lymphocytes. We reveal that glucocorticoids, with strong immunosuppressive effects, controversially induce diurnal changes of IL-7R expression and redistribution of T lymphocytes and enhance immune response. We are investigating the crosstalk between the immune and endocrine systems and the circadian rhythm and sex difference of the immune system (Figure 1A).
3. Visualization and function of IL-7- and IL-15-producing stromal cells: In addition to lymphocytes, lymphoid tissues contain stromal cells that form the microenvironment supporting development and response of lymphocytes. We elucidate the immune microenvironment by analyzing cytokine-producing stromal cells (Figure 1B). In our laboratory, every graduate student will participate in one of the projects and be trained to acquire the ability to plan, accomplish, and publish one’s work, with the knowledge and techniques on molecular biology and immunology.

Figure 1. (A) Immunoenhancing effects of glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids drive diurnal oscillations in T cell distribution and responses by inducing IL-7R and CXCR4. (B) Detection of IL-15 (CFP)-expressing cells in lymph nodes of IL-15-CFP knock-in mouse. IL-15-expressing cells are mainly detected in T cell zone, medulla, and blood vessels.

Figure 2. Laboratory members

Recent Publications

1. Cui G, Shimba A, Ma G, Takahara K, Tani-ichi S, Zhu Y, Asahi T, Abe A, Miyachi H, Kitano S, Hara T, Yasunaga J, Suwanai H, Yamada H, Matsuoka M, Ueki K, Yoshikai Y, and Ikuta K. (2020) IL-7R-dependent phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase competes with STAT5 signal to modulate T cell development and homeostasis. J Immunol, 204:844-857.
2. Shimba A, Cui G, Tani-ichi S, Ogawa M, Abe S, Okazaki F, Kitano S, Miyachi H, Yamada H, Hara T, Yoshikai Y, Nagasawa T, Schütz G, and Ikuta K. (2018) Glucocorticoids drive diurnal oscillations in T cell distribution and responses by inducing interleukin-7 receptor and CXCR4. Immunity, 48:286-298.
3. Abe A, Tani-ichi S, Shitara S, Cui G, Yamada H, Miyachi H, Kitano S, Hara T, Abe R, Yoshikai Y, and Ikuta K. (2015) An enhancer of the IL-7 receptor alpha-chain locus controls IL-7 receptor expression and maintenance of peripheral T cells. J Immunol, 195:3129-3138.
4. Cui G, Hara T, Simmons S, Wagatsuma K, Abe A, Miyachi H, Kitano S, Ishii M, Tani-ichi S, and Ikuta K. (2014) Characterization of the interleukin-15 niche in primary and secondary lymphoid organs in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 111:1915-1920.
5. Tani-ichi S, Shimba A, Wagatsuma K, Miyachi H, Kitano S, Imai K, Hara T, and Ikuta K. (2013) The interleukin-7 receptor controls development and maturation of late stages of thymocyte subpopulations. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 110:612-617.

Laboratory

Professor: Koichi Ikuta
Assistant Professor: Takahiro Hara, Guangwei Cui

TEL +81-75-751-4012
FAX +81-75-751-4810
e-mail：ikuta.koichi.6c@kyoto-u.ac.jp
URL：https://www2.infront.kyoto-u.ac.jp/Ikuta-Lab/