Naoto Hirano, PhD, MD

The overarching goal of our research is to devise novel antitumour immunotherapeutic modalities that can cure cancer. We have developed a series of human cell-based artificial antigen-presenting cells (APC) that can generate in vitro large numbers of HLA class I-restricted CD8 T cells, class II-restricted CD4 T cells, polyclonal CD3 T cells and CD1d-restricted iNKT cells. Using these artificial APC, we are conducting basic, translational, and clinical research in human T cell immunology. We are particularly interested in understanding how the interactions between T cells and APC affect priming, expansion, persistence and differentiation of T cells. We also seek to clarify how this leads to the subsequent generation and maintenance of T cell memory. Aspiring researchers and trainees who are eager to conquer cancer by harnessing the power of immunity are welcome to our laboratory.