Abstract: Series 101, Lecture 5
The Harvey Lectures Series 101 (2005—2006)
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Lecture #5: Thursday, March 23, 2006 — Time and Location
25 Years After the Dawn of Cytokine Molecular Biology: Roles in Host Immunity and Cancer
Tadatsugu Taniguchi, PhD
Professor and Chair, Department of Immunology
Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine
University of Tokyo
Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
My research career in Tokyo began with the initial identification and subsequent characterization of cytokine genes, namely the genes encoding human fibroblast interferon (now known as IFN-b) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The molecular distinction and consolidation of an enormous number of cytokine molecules, carried out by us and many others, have made it possible to study each cytokine as a single molecule and to elucidate their intracellular signaling mechanisms as well as their gene regulatory mechanisms. We have continued our studies on the regulation of the IFN and IL-2 systems, and one of our major achievements has been the discovery and characterization of a new family of transcription factors, termed interferon regulatory factors (IRFs). Our current research interests are aimed at clarifying the function and regulation of the IRF family of transcription factors in immunity and oncogenesis. In addition, we also focus on the mechanism of signaling and transcription networks elicited by IFN-a/b and other cytokines, important in the immune responses to pathogens and cancer.
Lecture Sponsor: BD Biosciences
