Okabe Laboratory
Laboratory of Immune Homeostasis, Immunology Frontier Research Center (iFReC), Osaka University
Research Summary
"Homeostasis" refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite fluctuations in external and internal conditions. For instance, mammals regulate their body temperature to remain constant regardless of the surrounding temperature, and blood sugar levels are maintained within a specific range, regardless of hunger or satiety. Our goal is to understand the fundamental principles of homeostatic regulation, with a particular focus on uncovering the mechanisms underlying various diseases that arise from the disruption of homeostasis.
Our research begins with in vivo studies, primarily using mice, and aims to achieve a fundamental understanding of homeostatic regulation by elucidating in vivo cellular functions. In addition to traditional methods rooted in cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, our laboratory utilizes advanced techniques such as omics analysis and genome editing technologies to drive our discoveries and achieve our research objectives.
Currently, the lab has two main projects:
1. Tissue Macrophage Biology
Macrophages, present throughout the body, exhibit remarkable diversity in terms of their function and morphology, depending on their anatomical localization. This functional heterogeneity reflects macrophage adaptation to each tissue microenvironment. Importantly, tissue-specific functions of macrophages are essential for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis.
Accumulating evidences indicate that abnormalities of tissue macrophage functions link to various diseases, including immunodeficiency, cancer, neurological disorders, and metabolic diseases. Our goal is to elucidate the mechanisms by which macrophages acquire tissue-specific characteristics and to understand their role in maintaining tissue homeostasis.
2. Defense Mechanisms in Respiratory System
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound global impact on human health and economies. Since the 20th century, five pandemics have occurred, all of which were respiratory infections, and it is highly likely that the next pandemic will be caused by a novel respiratory pathogen. Furthermore, respiratory infections such as influenza and pneumonia remain among the most critical infectious diseases, requiring urgent public health interventions.
The respiratory system is equipped with various defense mechanisms to prevent respiratory infections, including phagocytic systems by alveolar macrophages and mucociliary clearance in the airways. We aim to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of the defense mechanisms against respiratory infections, and to establish preventive and therapeutic strategies for various respiratory infections. Furthermore, the respiratory system is directly exposed to external stresses, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, and dryness, which can lead to alterations in its physiological functions. We are also investigating the impact of these stresses on the respiratory homeostasis.
