Immune response regulation by controlling the conformation of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN)（Tomohiko YAMAZAKI）

An innate immunity receptor, Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), recognizes unmethylated single-stranded DNA (CpG ODN) and then activates the immune system. TLR9 leads to the production of different cytokines, depending on the conformation of the CpG ODN. In order to elucidate this switching phenomenon, we are studying the dynamics of CpG ODN in cells by controlling the conformation of CpG ODN formed by a guanine quadruplex structure. Based on the obtained results, we will develop new CpG ODN molecules.

Development of a vaccine adjuvant mimicking malarial parasites
（Tomohiko YAMAZAKI）

A biocrystal synthesized by malaria-causing Plasmodium, hemozoin, has been reported to activate the immune response. Focusing on the heme dimerization structure of hemozoin, we developed a polymer composed of heme. The heme-containing polymer induces interferon γ (IFN- γ) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), which induce antibody production in human immune cells. We are elucidating the immune activation mechanism of heme-containing polymers. We aim to apply heme-containing polymers to vaccine adjuvants.

Well-designed polymer materials obtainable by living radical polymerizations （Chiaki YOSHIKAWA）

Our goal is to create novel polymeric biomaterials by well-defined structures using living radical polymerizations. Specifically, we are conducting fundamental research on optimization of polymerizations, control of polymer structures, and elucidation of the correlation between structures and functions to develop sophisticated biomaterials that can freely control biological functions.

Cellular flocculation driven by nanofibers (Chiaki YOSHIKAWA)

We have developed novel 3D cell culture scaffolds using cellulose nanofibers and e-spun nanofibers.
Interestingly, the nanofibers flocculated with cells and formed unique structures. We are now trying to elucidate the mechanism of the cellular self-assembly and to regenerate articular cartilage and cardiac muscle using the nanofibers.

Novel marine paint using well-designed bottlebrush polymers
(Chiaki YOSHIKAWA)

Recently, we newly designed bottlebrush polymers having concentrated polymer brush (CPB) structures. Importantly, the CPB-type bottlebrushes showed antifouling property and super lubrication which are almost the same as those of CPBs directly grafted on silicon wafers. Focusing on these properties, we are now developing a next-generation, biocide-free marine antifouling coating using the bottlebrush polymers.