Leprosy Research Center focuses on research in mycobacterial diseases including leprosy, tuberculosis, and other mycobacterial diseases. We perform basic fundamental research as well as applied clinical research related to diagnosis, treatment, prevention and epidemiology of the diseases. Our research benefits largely from collaborations with other leading Japanese scientists as well as foreign experts. We have 8 laboratories listed below. We also perform clinical service for the precise diagnosis and treatment of leprosy. In addition, we also concentrate on training young doctors and scientists from Asian countries especially where mycobacterial diseases are still a major health problem.

LABORATORY 1 :
(MOLECULAR BACTERIOLOGY)

Bacteriologic investigation on mycobacteria; development of vaccines and differential diagnostic methods.

LABORATORY 2 :
(PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY)

Studies on the metabolic aspects of mycobacteria, nerve damage and treatment of leprosy, especially in terms of the host-mycobacteria interaction.

LABORATORY 3 :
(THERAPEUTIC RESEARCH AND DRUG RESISTANCE)

Molecular studies on the virulence factors of mycobacteria and the mechanisms of drug resistance

LABORATORY 4 :
(BIODEFENSE AND VACCINE DEVELOPMENT)

Studies on the pathogenesis of infection and development of therapeutic and preventive tools based on immunological responses.

LABORATORY 5 :
(PREVENTION OF DISEASE MANIFESTATION)

Studies on the mechanism involved in the infection of mycobacteria to host cells, including experimental animal studies.

LABORATORY 6 :
(INFECTION AND IMMUNOBIOLOGY)

Studies on the persistence of mycobacterial infection, to explore the mechanism of latency, survival and reactivation.

LABORATORY 7 :
(MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY)

Clinical bacteriology of infection and studies on social factors related to infection and epidemiology of the disease.

LABORATORY 8 :
(MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS)

Pathological study of mycobacterial infection, for the development of immunological diagnostic methods and treatment.