We believe that a more advanced analysis platform is needed to understand the characteristics of the complex human immune system and to identify problems.Therefore, our laboratory has developed a world-class analysis platform (high-level immunological analysis platform) that enables multifaceted, high-resolution analysis of differences in the immune system and responses to immunogens in each individual.

By utilizing the above platform, we hope to extract issues with current vaccines and therapies from analysis of various human clinical specimens, and to validate novel therapies or diagnostic biomarkers that solve such issues at the in vivo level in non-clinical studies using rodents and non-human primates, and hopefully return them to clinical use.

◆ Overview of the entire higher-order immunological analysis platform

1. Introduction of Higher Level Immunological Analysis Platform

We believe that a more advanced analysis platform is needed than ever before to understand the characteristics of the complex human immune system and to identify problems and other issues. Therefore, we have developed a world-class analysis platform (high-level immunological analysis platform) that enables multifaceted, high-resolution analysis of differences in the immune system and responses to immunogens in each individual.

By utilizing the above platform, we hope to extract issues with current vaccines and therapies from analysis of various human clinical specimens, and to validate novel therapies or diagnostic biomarkers to solve such issues at the in vivo level in non-clinical studies using rodents and non-human primates, and hopefully return them to clinical use.

Introduction of Higher Level Immunological Analysis Platform

◆ Introduction of each analysis platform

1. High-parameter flow cytometer (for analysis)

Flow cytometers:An instrument for analyzing protein expression levels of cells in blood or tissue dispersion at a single cell level at a time. By analyzing the expression patterns of marker molecules with fluorescence-labeled antibodies or other means, subsets of cells can be classified and measured in detail. High-parameter flow cytometer is a state-of-the-art flow cytometer that can evaluate more than 50 different molecules at once.

[Overview chart]High-parameter flow cytometer (for analysis)

2. High-parameter flow cytometer (for cell sorting)

Cell sorters: A device that labels individual cells in a specific cell population in blood or tissue dispersion with fluorescently labeled antibodies, etc., and separates them in a live, clean environment using protein expression levels as an indicator. The High Parameter Cell Sorter is a state-of-the-art cell sorter that can evaluate more than 50 different molecules at once. Each sorted cell can be used for assays according to the cell type.

[Overview chart]High-parameter flow cytometer (for cell sorting)

3. T cell function analysis platform

T cell function analysis platform:We have a detailed T cell function analysis system, including a multi-well imaging system (IncuCyte) that enables real-time imaging of cells in culture in an incubator for more than 24 hours and quantification of various cell functions, a system (Seahorse) that can monitor cellular metabolic responses and changes in mitochondrial function over time, and a specialized flow cytometer （FACS FACSDiscover S8 Cell Sorter） that can acquire fluorescent-labeled images of cell membrane surface proteins and detailed structures. A detailed T cell function analysis system is in place, including a special flow cytometer （FACS FACSDiscover S8 Cell Sorter） that can acquire fluorescent-labeled images of proteins and detailed structures.

[Overview chart]T cell function analysis platform

4. Next Generation Sequencing Platform

Next Generation Sequencing Platform:A series of platforms that can check the quality of libraries for next-generation sequencing analysis and sequence long sequences such as RNAseq, TCR Repertoire, and HLA typing.

[Overview chart]Next Generation Sequencing Platform

5. Long-read Sequencing Analysis Platform

Automated library preparation and long-read sequencing analysis:A platform capable of sequencing DNA and RNA at lengths exceeding several kilobases. This approach enables analyses that are difficult with conventional short-read sequencing, including identification of structural variants (SVs), characterization of repetitive sequences and GC-rich regions, and resolution of complex genome structures. At our institute, Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ PromethION P48 is installed, enabling a wide range of applications such as HLA typing, TCR repertoire analysis, RNA isoform analysis, and epigenomic profiling (e.g., DNA methylation).

[Overview chart]Long-read Sequencing Analysis Platform

6. BD's Microwell-based scRNAseq / AbSeq

Library generator for single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq):BD's analyzer is a device that comprehensively analyzes the expression levels of genes and proteins of individual cells in blood and tissue dispersions at the single-cell level, where each cell is divided into sections by microwells and each section is labeled with a genetic barcode to distinguish individual cells.

[Overview chart]BD's Microwell-based scRNAseq / AbSeq

7. Droplet-based scRNAseq from 10xGenomics

Library generator for single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq):10xGenomics' analyzer is a single-cell-level, comprehensive analyzer of gene and protein expression levels in blood and tissue dispersions, in which each cell is divided into droplets and each droplet is labeled with a gene barcode to distinguish individual cells. The system is designed to distinguish between individual cells by attaching a genetic barcode to each compartment.

[Overview chart]Droplet-based scRNAseq from 10xGenomics

8. Semi-automatic tissue section analysis platform

Tissue section analysis platform:A platform for semi-automating a series of complicated processes from the preparation of sections from fixed excised tissue fragments obtained by surgery or other means to immunostaining.

[Overview chart]Semi-automatic tissue section analysis platform

Tissue section analysis platform:A platform for the semi-automatic process of sectioning and immunostaining from fixed excised tissue fragments obtained by surgery or other means.

[Overview chart]Semi-automatic tissue section analysis platform

9. Microenvironment Multiplex Spatial Analysis System

Microenvironment Multiplex Spatial Analysis System:A system for detecting and analyzing the expression of numerous markers in the same section by simultaneously labeling tissue sections with numerous nucleic acid barcode-labeled antibodies, followed by detection by repeatedly attaching and removing the corresponding barcode-labeled fluorescent dye.

[Overview chart]Microenvironment Multiplex Spatial Analysis System

10. Molecular Purification Platform

Molecular Purification Platform:Chromatography system for separation and purification of artificial proteins such as recombinant antibodies and fluorescently labeled probes. Widely used in the development and manufacture of biologics

[Overview chart]Molecular Purification Platform

11. Vaccine Production Platform

Lipid nanoparticle preparation system for vaccines and robot for automated purification and dispensing:The ultra-high speed nano medicine preparation system is a system to prepare lipid nano-particles (LNPs) used for mRNA vaccines, etc. in a clean environment and with any lipid composition. The automated pipetting robot automatically dispenses prepared LNPs, nucleic acids, and protein samples under set conditions, and is also capable of automated purification of DNA and RNA.

[Overview chart]Vaccine Production Platform