Mission Statement
The tropics, the most ecologically diverse region on the Earth, presents an ongoing complexityof tropical diseases and other health problems. In view of the remarkable advances made in the field ofinternational exchange in recent years, it is imperative that these problems be addressed from a global
perspective.
Based on this understanding, the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, aims to
overcome tropical diseases, particularly infectious diseases, and the various health problems associatedwith them. In cooperation with related institutions, we strive for excellence in the following areas:
1. Spear-head research in tropical medicine and international health
2. Global contributions through disease control and health promotionin the tropics by applying the fruits of our research
3. Cultivation of researchers and specialists in the above fields

Organizational Chart

Microbiology and Parasitology
Department of Virology

Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases

Department of Bacteriology

Department of Protozoology

Department of Parasitology

Department of Molecular Epidemiology(Overseas Visiting Professor)

Nagasaki University
Hospital
Steering
Cmte ITM

Dean

Department of
Pathology

Steering Cmte
RCTD

Department of Clinical Medicine

Faculty
Meeting

Public and Environmental Health
Department of
Eco-epidemiology

Department of Global Health
Development Policy Sciences

Department ofInternational Health andMedical Anthropology

Department of Vector
Ecology and Environment

Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Management
Meeting

Associated Facilities
Center for Infectious Disease Research in Asia and Africa

Department of
Host-Defense Biochemistry

Department of Preventive
Medicine and AIDS Research

Department of
Infections Diseases

Clinical Medicine and Research

Host and Vector Biology
Department of
lmmunogenetics

Internal
Medicine

Kenya Research Station

Vietnam Research Station

Tropical Medicine Museum
Tropical Medicine Research
Department Division

Central Research LaboratoryOﬃce for Training and Education
NEKKEN BioResource Center

NEKKENNTD Innovation CenterOﬃce of Coordination for Humanitarian Aﬀairs

Shionogi Global Infectious Diseases

Department of Cellular
Architecture Studies

Department of Molecular
Infection Dynamics

Department of
Immune Regulation

Department of Exploratory
Research for Drug Discovery

Steering Committee for the Institute of Tropical Medicine (Committee Member outside the university)
Hiroyoshi Endo（St.Luke's International University），Norio Ohmagari（National Center for Global Health and Medicine），
Hitoshi Oshitani（Tohoku University)，Shigeyuki Kano（National Center for Global Health and Medicine），
Gakunan Gen（Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine），Yasuhiko Suzuki (Hokkaido University )，Takaji Wakita（National Institute of Infectious Diseases），Tiho Watanabe（National Institute for Environmental Studies）

01

Towards Eradication of
Tropical Infectious Diseases
Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University is a unique governmental
institution for research on tropical medicine. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,

H istory
1942.3on Tropical Disease” in 2009. This recognition underlines the importance of NEKKEN as anopen institute whose resources are freely available to the whole research community inJapan. Since 1993, the World Health Organization has designated NEKKEN as a WHO
Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Tropical Viral Diseases. The current
organization of the institute involves five major research fields ( 21 departments ), twofacilities, and one clinical unit at University hospital.
Many developing countries are located in the tropics, and are affected by a diverse
group of tropical diseases, and emerging infectious diseases. As a consequence theremarkable advances made in the field of international transportation and communicationin recent years, the industrialized countries of the temperate zones are also threatened by

1946.4
1949.5

Based on this paradigm, NEKKEN aims to overcome tropical and emerging infectious
institutions, and to strive for excellence in the following areas:

1967.6
1967.6

Institute of Tropical Medicine, N.U.
Added the Ward Tropical Internal

1978.4

Diploma course, Kensyu-katei

1983.4

JICA Researcher Group-Course

1989.5

Certified as Joint Usage ResearchCenter1993.11

WHO Collaboration Center

1995.4

Certified as Center of Excellence, COE

1997.4Tropical Infection Research Center

2. International contribution through disease control and health promotion in the tropics

COE program 21st Century Global
Strategy against Tropical & Emerging

3. Cultivation of researchers and specialists in the above fields

Infection

This pamphlet offers a brief, but hopefully intelligible explanation of our organizationand its activities. As you will see, our research activities address major tropical diseases
such as malaria, schistosomiasis, dengue fever, and yellow fever, and emerging and2006.4Tropical Medicine Masterʼs Course

2008.4

Museum and Asia / Africa Facilities

2008.6re-emerging infections such as HIV/AIDS, SARS, ebola and tuberculosis. We conduct basic
also investigate entomology, ecology and social sciences. NEKKEN is also contributing to theeducation of students in PhD, and Masters as part of the Graduate School of Biomedical
Sciences and the Graduate School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health of Nagasaki
University. In addition, NEKKEN provides a three-month training course on tropical medicine.
You will also find information about our research facilities in Kenya and Vietnam.
Hopefully you will be able to understand the intention of our research and education andKouichi, Morita
Dean and Professor
NEKKEN
May, 2020

COE

programComprehensive

Global Strategy against Tropical &medical sciences, epidemiology and clinical research for disease prevention and control. We

will support us in the future.

Institute of Endemics, Nagasaki

Medicine, to University Hospital

2003.4

1. Spear-head research in tropical medicine and global healthInstitute of Endemics, N.M.C
University, under postwar scheme

the same pathogens and it is imperative that they are addressed from a global perspective.
diseases, and the various related health problems in the tropics, in cooperation with related

East Asia Institute of Endemics as
Nagasaki Medical College affiliate

Science and Technology (MEXT) designated NEKKEN as a “Joint Usage / Research Center

Emerging Infection
2009.6

Certified as Tropical-medicine Joint
Usage / Research Center2011.42012.4

Two clinical-field departments
Global Leader Course for Tropical& Emerging Infection Intervention

2017.112019.475th anniversary ceremony
Shionogi Global Infectious Diseases
Division

02

Joint Usage / Research Center on Tropical Disease
Our institute is the one and only public sector institutesupported by MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture,

carries out joint research rooted in the local places where
the infectious diseases are prevalent.

Sports, Science and Technology, Japan) that aims to
conduct research on tropical diseases, and is identified as
the Joint Usage / Research Center on Tropical Disease.

2. Outline of the Centerʼs Activities

The Joint Usage / Research Center on Tropical

Medicine supports collaborative research, which is either
1. The Goal of the Center

basic

Infectious diseases are caused by the collapse of

epidemiological, clinical or public health framework. It

symbiosis with other creatures, which cannot be avoided if

also supports research meetings, which promote andorappliedresearch

based

upon

an

we, human beings, live in nature. Although the ultimate aim

facilitate research into infectious diseases throughof this center is to eradicate infectious diseases, it isexchanging information or technology where necessary.

needed rather to establish reciprocal relationships with

The Center serves as a bio-resource center to deliver

other creatures than to eliminate them. Such establishment

such things as infectious agents, information. collectedof reciprocal relationships requires collective knowledge,

and stored here.

which can be achieved only by combining a broad aspectof disciplines.
Tropical infectious diseases have been spreading in
tropical areas, which is a reflection of the environment and3. Operational Organization of the Center

As for administration of this research center, the deanof the Institute of Tropical Medicine established thesocio-economic situation existing there. It is considered toSteering Committee for the Center, which is composed of

be a big challenge related to health. Emerging and re-emerging

11 members, out of whom more than half should be from

infectious diseases have been spreading globally withoutside the university concerned. The Steering Committee

tropical areas at the epicenter. Tropical areas are not onlyis responsible for the adoption of the applications, andthe battle field where we, human beings, fight against

monitoring and evaluation of the activities.

them, but also the experimental ground where we newly

In order to support the above mentioned activities acreate and develop our knowledge and technology in orderspecific administrative office supporting the Center is

to control infectious diseases.

allocated in the institute and a professor is designated toAgainst the backdrop of past international activities

be a section chief.

and research facilities for infectious diseases in Asia andAfrica, the Joint Usage / Research Center on Tropical
Disease, together with researchers from diverse fields,

The Institute ofTropical Medicine
Dean
Advice / Report

Steering Committee for the Joint Usage /Research Center on Tropical Disease

Researchers Communities

Discuss important matters on its
management

a member of the committee

Expert advisors

Discuss enquiries on specialized matters

The Joint Usage / Research Center on
Tropical Disease Oﬃce
Support for its management and follow
the intention of the committee

Send a delegate/delegates as
to address opinions from
communities

Research Grants
A collaborative Research Topic
A collaborative Research Topic
A collaborative Research Topic

Steering Committee for the Joint Usage / Research Center on Tropical Disease（Committee Member outside the university）
Manabu Ato（National Institute of Infectious Diseases），
Shinichiro Kawazu（Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine），Satoshi Sasaki（The University of Tokyo），
Yukiko Higa (National Institute of Infectious Diseases), Sohkichi Matsumoto（Niigata University），
Chizuru Misago (Tsuda University), Takayuki Miyazawa（Kyoto University）

03

Accounting (FY2019)
owmentEndowment
ernal Fund）（External008
117,008

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientiﬁc Research Others
7,720
174,313d Project
Commissionedd）（External Fund）
22,636Ad
Administrativecocost subsidy
60
606,846

Revenue

7,720Commissioned
sioned Projectal Fund）（External
15,861

Administrative
cost subsidy
subs
606,846

Expenditure

Nonome
Non-subsidy
incomeNa
ersityat Nagasaki
University
142,
142,732（thousand JPY）
Total
2,729,303

ssioned Research
Researrch
Commissioned
al Fund）（External
1,298,706

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientiﬁc Research
140,658
OthersEndowment
ndowment
External Fund）（External
8,976
18,976（thousand JPY）
Total
2,103,126

Non-subsid income
Non-subsidy
at Nagasak
Nagasaki University
141,595

Commissione
Commissioneded
Researchd）（External Fund）
904,890

Join
nt Research
Joint
（E
Fund
（External
Fund）359,343

Joint Research（External Fund）
266,579※Including carry-overExternal Fund (FY2019)
Amount（in thousands of yen）
1,500,000

Numberof grants

1,425,000
89

1,200,000

100
80

1,076,307

900,000

60

600,000

30
275,097 18

300,000

44,071 35

40

21,805

7,720
4

0

2

Joint Research with Commissioned Commissioned Endowments
Private Sectors
Research
Project

Facilities & Administrative
costs included

20

Others0

Total

Number of Staf f （as of May 1 ,2020）
Professor

Associate
Professor

Senior AssistantProfessor

Assistant
Professor

Sub total

Others

Total

15

7

1

24

47

101

147

Grants-in-aid for Scientiﬁc Research （KAKENHI）（MEXT）（FY2019）

Amount（in thousands of yen）
150,000

129,81236

125,000

25

75,00025,000035
30

100,000

50,000

Numberof Grants
40

19,3702
ScientiﬁcResearch(A)(General)

4,030
1

20,483
14,43021,450
10 5,330104

ScientiﬁcScientiﬁcResearch(B) Research(B)(Overseas(General)AcademicResearch)

2

20

5,070
1

1,560
2

14,820
1

Young Research
Scientiﬁc Challenging Challenging Young
Research(C) Exploratory Research Scientists Scientists Activity
Start-up(A)(B)(General) Research (Exploratory）(A)

10,2702

13,0001

Research Grant-in-Aid Total
Activity for Special
Start-up Purposes
(B)

15
10
5
0

04

Microbiology
and Parasitology

Department of
Virology

Professor and Head

Kouichi Morita
Professor

Moi Meng Ling
Associate Professor

This Department has been conducting basic
and applied research on arthropod-borne viruses(arboviruses) such as Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV), dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV),
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), severe fever withthrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) and
COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2)
Molecular epidemiology of arboviruses
We isolate DENV, JEV, CHIKV, ZIKV and
SARS-CoV-2 in Asia and African regions andconduct molecular epidemiological analysis todetermine international and inter-continental
movement of these viruses. We also analyze
unique genome sequences that are relevant topathogenicity.
Research on vaccine development using
reverse genetics
We have developed DENV infectious clones
and identified viral determinants by modifying
various parts of the genes. We are currently
developing genetically engineered viruses ascandidates for live attenuated DENV vaccines byfinancial support of GHIT.
Research on the pathogenicity of arboviruses andevaluation of therapeutic compounds using animalmodel.
We elucidate the mechanism of pathogenicity
and infectivity of arboviruses, such as DENV and
SFTSV by using a mouse model.
Development of rapid diagnostic assay for
infectious diseases
Various rapid diagnostics are being developed
for arboviruses using PCR, LAMP, LC/MS and
Immuno-chromatographic technologies for thedetection of viral genome, protein and specificantibodies.
Activities as a WHO Collaborating Center
The department is designated as a WHO
Collaborating Center for Reference and Researchon Tropical Viral Diseases since 1993 andcurrently our department has been re-designatedas a center for Tropical and Emerging Virus
Diseases. The center has been collaborating with
WHO in training WHO fellows from many
developing countries and has deployed experts as
WHO short-term consultants. From 2020 March,
the laboratory is working as WHO ReferenceCentre for COVID-19.

Shingo Inoue
Assistant Professor

Takeshi Nabeshima

1. Le et al. (PHUJ,QIHFW 'LV 2020; 2: 26(7).
2. Wijesooriya et al. /DQFHW,QIHFW'LV 2020; 20(2): 168-169.
3. Bastola et al. /DQFHW,QIHFW'LV 2020; 20(3): 279-280.
4. Kyaw et al. $P-7URS0HG+\J 2019; 100: 643-646.
5. Yamane et al. 1DW0LFURELRO 2019; 4(7): 1096-1104.

Assistant Professor

Mya Myat Ngwe Tun

Microbiology
and Parasitology

Department ofBacteriology

Professor

Toshio Kodama

Our research focuses on the pathogenesis of entericbacterial pathogens, including =PIYPVWHYHOHLTVS`[PJ\Z=PIYPVJOVSLYHLHUK:HSTVULSSHLU[LYPJH spp. The emergenceand spread of multidrug - resistant bacteria are big
problems these days. It is predicted that drug-resistantbacterial infection will bring about 10 million annual deathsby 20 5 0. We b e l i eve t h a t u n d e r s t a n d i n g d e t a i l e dmechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity gives us a clue tothe development of effective vaccines and establishmentof new treatment strategies without antibiotics. We will
promote our study with various approaches, such as
global epidemic surveillances,PU]P]V animal infection
models, and PU]P[YV molecular biological analyses, andmake maximum efforts to produce talented researchers
who can play on a global stage through study andexperience.
● 9SDUDKDHPRO\WLFXV Pathogenesis
We have worked on =WHYHOHLTVS`[PJ\Z for decades,and found that one set of Type III Secretion System(T3SS2) is necessary for induction of diarrhea in thepatients infected with this pathogen. We have also
identified and characterized effector proteins secreted
from T3SS2, and revealed regulatory mechanisms of
T3SS2-related genes. We recently demonstrated that an
exotoxin, thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH), is secreted
via T3SS2 in tandem with the Sec machinery, facilitates
the distinct virulence traits. However, detailed mechanismsof how this pathogen colonizes the host intestine andinduces diarrhea have remained unknown. We therefore
try to understand a comprehensive mechanism of=

WHYHOHLTVS`[PJ\Z infection by generating a new murine
infection model, dissecting the expression mechanism ofT3SS2-related genes, determining biological activities ofT3SS2 effectors, analyzing the interaction of microbiota,
and other multidimensional approaches.
● Endemic Stains of 9LEULR spp.
We are planning to isolate =PIYPVspp. including =
WHYHOHLTVS`[PJ\Z and =JOVSLYHL from patients, seafoodand environmental samples in endemic areas to elucidate
the genetic characteristics and dynamics of epidemicstrains. We will also try to determine the factor(s) that
contributes to global dissemination and characterize itsrole in infection.
● 6DOPRQHOOD Pathogenesis
We are interested in :HSTVULSSH pathogenesis. A big
goal in this project is to understand how :LU[LYPJHZWW.
cause systemic infection in immunocompetent humans fordeveloping more effective vaccines and therapies without
relying on antibiotics. The Type III Secretion System(T3SS) coded on :HSTVULSSH Pathogenicity Island 2 (SPI-2)
is known as an essential virulence factor for establishingsystemic infection and resisting the defense system of
innate immune cells, such as macrophage and neutrophil,but its exact mechanism to disseminate into systemic sites
in the host remains unknown. We have tried to uncover
the mechanism, how :L U[LYPJ H spp. cause systemic
infection by dissecting the functions of the T3SS and its
effector proteins using various approaches, includingPU]P]V mouse infection models, PU]P[YV biological assays,
epidemic surveillance, and PUZPSPJV genetic comparisonsamong different :LU[LYPJH serovars (i.e., Typhimurium,
Typhi, and Paratyphi A).
1. Kashimoto et al. %0&0LFURELRO 2020; 20(1): 69.
2. Matsuda et al. 0LFURELRO,PPXQRO2020; 64(3): 167-181.
3. Okumura et al. 0XFRVDO,PPXQRO 2020; 13(1): 75-85.
4. Matsuda et al. 1DW0LFURELRO 2019; 4(5): 781-788.
5. Tandhavanant et al. P%LR 2018; 9(4): e01366-18.

05

Microbiology
and Parasitology

Department of Emerging
Infectious Diseases

We a r e wo r k i n g o n t h e b a s i c a n d a p p l i e dresearch to develop the countermeasures againste m e rg i n g i n fe c t i o u s d i s e a s e s , e s p e c i a l l y v i r a lhemorrhagic fevers and influenza.
Research subjects:
Analyses of replication mechanisms of highly
pathogenic viruses
In infected cells, the viruses replicate using
va r i o us c e l l u l a r ma c h i n er y a n d re l e a s e a la rg e
number of progeny virions. Our interests are toclarify the molecular mechanisms of virus replication
in host cells. We are currently analy zing themolecular interactions between viral proteins andcellular factors in infected cells. Especially, we arefocusing on highly pathogenic viruses, such as Ebola,
Marburg, Lassa and Influenza viruses.
Development of novel antiviral strategies
To establish novel antiviral strategies against
v iral hemorrhagic fevers and influenza, we a reidentifying the cellular factors which have antiviral
activity and analyzing the molecular mechanisms of
their antiviral action. We are also doing
high-throughput screening of organic and chemicalcompound libraries for antiviral drug discover yagainst viral hemorrhagic fevers.
Development of detection methods for highly
pathogenic viruses
In case of outbreak of emerging infectious
diseases, rapid and accurate diagnoses are essential
to control infection and to prevent fur thertransmission. We have developed novel diagnostic
assays for emerging viral diseases.

Professor

Jiro Yasuda
Professor

Asuka Nanbo
Assistant Professor

Haruka Abe

Assistant Professor

Yasuteru

Sakurai

Research studies on viral diseases in Gabon republic
The followings are aims of this project; 1) toinvestigate prevalence of known and unidentifiedv i ra l d i s e a s e s i n G a b o n t h ro u g h g e n e t i c a l a n dserological assays, 2) to determine characteristics
including genetic information and pathogenicity ofviruses which are regarded as public health concern
and t hose newl y identifie d in Gabon , and 3) todevelop rapid diagnostic methods for viral diseasesof public health concern and those newly identified.

Assistant Professor

Rokusuke Yoshikawa

1. Abe et al. ,QW-,QIHFW'LV 2020; 91: 129-136.
2. Abe et al. -0HG9LURO 2020; 92(2): 251-256.
3. Urata et al. -*HQ9LURO 2019; 100(7): 1099-1111.
4. Yoshikawa et al.-9LURO 2019; 93(10): e02226-18.
5. Pemba et al. -9LURO0HWKRGV 2019; 269: 30-37.

Ebolavirus and Epstein-Barr virus both cause major
infectious diseases in humans, such as Ebolavirus disease
and Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignancies,
respectively. The long-term goal of our study is to provide
insights into the molecular mechanisms of theirpathogenesis, which shall lead to the development ofrational therapies and diagnosis for them.
● Characterization of molecular mechanisms of EBOV
entr y and virus par ticle formation: toward thedevelopment of therapeutics for EBOV disease
Ebolavirus (EBOV), a member of the family -PSV]PYPKHL,
is an enveloped, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virusthat causes severe hemorrhagic fever with a high mortality
rate , known as EBOV d iseas e ( E V D), in hu m a ns a n dnonhuman primates. Currently, no specific therapeutics has
been approved for treatment and prevention of EVD.
B e c a u s e o f t h e l i ke l i h o o d o f f u t u re o u t b re a ks a n dgeneration of mutant viruses, the development of a variety
of EBOV therapeutics is urgent. Our goal is to elucidate themechanism underlying virus entry and virion formation
process with a focus on host membrane traffic dynamics
and viral envelopeʼs constituent phospholipids (Fig.1). We
are also developing the therapeutics that specifically target
the entry and virion formation process in multiple ways,
which should lead to the significant contribution forprevention of EBOV infection in the future.
● Characterization of molecular mechanism ofdevelopment of EBV-associated epithelium tumors
Epstein - Barr virus (EBV ), a ubiquitous human γ-herpesvirus, establishes a persistent latent infection in B
lymphocytes and epithelial cells in more than 90% of adults
worldwide. Although this virus contributes causally tolymphomas and epithelial malignancies such as Burkittʼsl y m p h o m a , g a s t r ic c a rci n o m a , a n d nasopha r y n g ea lcarcinoma, the molecular mechanism by which EBV cause
these tumors remains fully elucidated. To update theunderstanding of the mechanisms for development of
EBV-associated epithelial tumors, we are elucidating thephysiological significance of exosomes, one t ype of
extracellular vesicles, released from EBV-infected cells intumor development. Moreover, we try to identify host andviral factors that are specifically and abundantly
i n c o r p o r a t e d i n exo s o m e s , wh i c h s h a l l l e a d t o t h edevelopment of potential biomarkers for EBV-associatedtumors that contribute to the diagnosis of these tumors. An
outline of this project is shown in Fig.2.

1. Nanbo. 0LFURRUJDQLVP2020; 8: 729.
2. Kheir et al. &DQFHUV 2019; 11(6): E759.
3. Nanbo et al. -,QIHFW'LV2018; 218(suppl̲5): S388-S396.
4. Nanbo et al. &DQFHUV 2018; 10(7): E237.
5. Nanbo et al. 3/R63DWKRJ 2018; 14(1): e1006848.

06

Malaria is responsible for a huge burden

Microbiology
and Parasitology

Department of Protozoology

fundamental aspects of the parasiteʼs life cycle,of death and disease in large areas of thesuch as the molecular interactions andtropical and sub-tropical world. Unfortunately,

signaling mechanisms behind red blood cell

those countries hardest hit by the disease( R B C) i nva s i o n a n d t h e p h e n o m e n o n o f

a r e of ten amongst the poorest . Despite

cytoadherence of parasite-infected RBCs. We

continuing efforts, there is still no effective

utilize a variety of malaria parasites including

vaccine against t he disease. In order tohuman-infecting 7SHZTVKP\TMHSJPWHY\T, thedesign and implement ef fective diseaserodent malaria parasite 7SHZTVKP\T`VLSPP, andintervention strategies, we believe that one

7SHZTVKP\TRUV^SLZP a causative agent ofof the key priorities in malaria research

zoonotic human malaria. To expand a platform

should be the strengthening of ourfor basic and clinical malaria research, we areunderstanding of the basic biology of theinvestigating the molecular epidemiology ofparasite. We are currently investigating somemalaria parasites in endemic countries, thebiology of 7SHZTVKP\T]P]H_ hypnozoites, andthe establishment of a novel malaria modelusing ungulate 7SHZTVKP\T. In addition, weare also conducting research abou t t he
f u n c t i o n a n d ex p re s s i o n m e c h a n i s m o fProfessor

Osamu Kaneko
Assistant Professor

Kazuhide Yahatatrans-sialidase and the stage specificFig.1 RBC invasion by P. yoelii . Merozoite-stage parasite(arrowhead) invades into RBC within 30 seconds (0 25 s) and deforms RBC to spike-like shape (85 s).

adaptation mechanisms of ;Y`WHUVZTHJY\aP
that cause Chagas disease.

Assistant Professor

Takahiro Ishizaki

Fig.2 Colocalization of recombinant PkSBP1 protein (green) and
Giemsa-stained 'Sinton and Mulligan' stipplings in monkey
erythrocytes infected with PkSBP1-transgenic P. knowlesi .

Microbiology
and Parasitology

Department of
Parasitology

Various kinds of parasites infect humans
for long periods of time without killing them,giving rise to tremendous afflictions, social
and/or economic loss. We would like to develop
deep insight into parasitic diseases and thesurrounding factors from various points ofview through both field and laboratory studies.
Our goal is to contribute to new knowledge
and to provide an enthusiastic environment for
t he t raining of t he fu t u re generatio n ofinvestigators.
We have b e e n res e a rching parasiti cd i s e a s e s i n M b i t a a n d Kwa l e , Ke ny a , i n
cooperation with Kenya Medical ResearchInstitute (KEMRI) and Maseno Universit y.
I n 2 017, w e s t a r t e d a n e w p r o j e c t o nschistosomiasis with the support from MEXT
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A). We arealso trying to develop ideal diagnostic methods
for schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis with theProfessor

Shinjiro Hamano
Assistant Professor

Yoshinori Mitsui
Assistant Professor

Risa Nakamura

1. Ishizaki et al. 3DUDVLWRO,QW 2020; 76: 102056.
2. Peng et al. P%LR 2020; 11: e02995-19.
3. Thawnashom et al. 3/R621( 2019; 14: e0226884.
4. Chitama et al.3DUDVLWRO,QW2019; 71: 186-193.
5. Kaewthamasorn et al. 6FL5HS 2018; 8: 5827.

s u p p o r t f r o m G l o b a l H e a l t h I n n o v a t i ve
Technology Fund (GHIT). In the laboratory, we
maintain :JOPZ[VZVTHTHUZVUP, its intermediate
host snail, )Y\NPHTHSH`P, )WHOHUNP and (LKLZHLN`W[P. Since 2017, we have been conducting“ D eWo r m 3 ” p roj e c t i n Ja pa n wh i ch i s
suppor ted by the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation as a collaboration with the Natural
History Museum, London.
We s tud y hos t defense mechanisms
against 3LPZOTHUPHZWW and;Y`WHUVZVTHJY\aP,
and in t he pro cess , have e lucidate d t hefunction of the IL-12 cytokine family such as
IL-27/WSX-1 during infection. We have beendeveloping the live attenuated vaccine toleishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis by editing agene using CRISPR- Cas9 system with thesupport from GHIT since 2015 and 2019. In
addition, we developed animal models ofintestinal amoebiasis together with Prof. Houptat University of Virginia, and now are devoting
ourselves to the study on molecular basis ofpathogenicity of ,OPZ[VS`[PJH and host defense
mechanisms to it.

Technologist

Megumi Hamasaki

07

1. Mohammed et al. 3/R61HJO7URS'LV 2020; in press.
2. Zhang et al. 1DW&RPPXQ 2020; 11(1): 3461.
3. Sassa et al. 3/R61HJO7URS'LV 2020; in press.
4. Mousa et al. 3DUDVLWRORJ\ 2020; 1-24.
5. Hasegawa et al. 3/R61HJO7URS'LV 2020; 13(1): 6.

Host and Vector Biology

Department of
lmmunogenetics

This department primarily focuses on thefundamental insights of the pathogenic genetic
factors of the host and the pathogens of tropicalinfectious diseases such as Dengue fever, malaria
and Chagas disease, through the application of
immunology and genetics. With the understanding of
the dynamic host-pathogen interactions, we arefurther concerned with the development of new
tools to fight against these diseases including novel
therapeutics (drugs) or vaccines.
We strive to build a highly interactive andcollaborative network for sustainable research
activities, and hence, we have various well-arranged
collaborative projects with the following overseas
and domestic facilities. 1) Research Institute forTropical Medicine (RITM), Philippines. 2) UAGRM,
Bolivia, 3) IICS University of Asuncion, Paraguay, 4)
Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, and National
Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE),
Vietnam, 5) Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria, 6)
Pasteur Paris, France, 7) London School of Hygiene
and Tropical Medicine, UK, 8) National Institutes of
Health (NIH), USA, 9) Tokyo Medical and Dental
University, 10) Toyama University, 11) The National
Institute of Advanced Industrial Science andTechnology (AIST) 12) IS Global, Spain

Following research projects are going on.
1. Malaria
1) NGS analysis of host and malaria genome(KAKENHI)
2) Vaccine development (AMED)
3) Anti-malarial drug development (AMED, Toyama)
2. Chagas disease
1) Early bio-markers identification for chronic
Chagas disease, namely, indeterminate, cardiac,and digestive forms in Bolivia (KAKENHI)
2) Anti-trypanosomal drug development (Toyama,
Nagasaki)
3. Dengue1) Mechanism of cellular immunity on protection
against Dengue virus (J-GRID).

Professor

Kenji Hirayama

1. Tran et al.-&OLQ(SLGHPLRO2020; 119: 26-35.
2. Mathenge et al. 3UDVLWRO,QW 2020; 74: 101919.
3. Bodi et al. 0DODU- 2020; 19(1): 25-25.
4. Pare et al. (%LR0HGLFLQH 2020; 51: 102584-102584.
5. Vásquez et al. 3/R61HJO7URS'LV 2019; 13(9): e0007715.

Professor

Katsuyuki Yui

Lecturer

Mihoko Kikuchi

Assistant Professor

Taeko Naruse

1. Education and research
Aim of our department is to contribute

Host and VectoｒBiology

Department of HostDefense Biochemistry

to global health and welfare from basics u c h a s m i t o c h o n d r i al a n d b a c t e r i a l
respiratory chain and drug discovery anddevelopment targeting them.

research. Main target of our research is

Our research has been focusing onenergy metabolism, which is essential forhuman mitochondria, parasitic nematodest h e s u r v i v a l , c o n t i n u e d g r ow t h a n dsuch as (ZJHYPZZ\\T, parasitic protozoa

reproduction of living organisms. From the(7SHZTVKP\TMHSJPWHY\T;Y`WHUVZVTHIY\JLP

standpoint of biological adaptation, we;Y`WHUVZVTHJY\aP*Y`W[VZWVYPKP\T etc.)

have b e e n s t u d y i ng o n t he m o l e c u l a r
mechanism of energy transducing systems

Professor

Kiyoshi Kita

Bio-synthetic pathway of asucofuranone. (from Araki et al., PNAS, 2019)

1. Enkai et al. 3DUDVLWRO,QW 2020; 75: 102004.
2. Balogun et al. )$6(%-2019; fj201901342R.
3. Wang et al. *HQHV 2019; 10: 471.
4. Araki et al. 3URF1DWO$FDG6FL86$ 2019; 116: 8269-8274.
5. Pang et al. 1DW6WUXFW0RO%LRO 2019; 26: 289-296.

08

Host and VectoｒBiology

Department of Pathology
Nutrition and Infection Unit

Professor

Sharon Cox

Public andEnvironmental Health

Department of
Eco-epidemiology

Professor

Satoshi Kaneko
Assistant Professor

Kentaro Kato

Department of Pathology, Nutrition and
Infection (former Department of Pathology) wasestablished in 2019 by Professor S. Cox (NU
School of Tropical Medicine & Global Health( T M G H )) t r a n s fe r r i n g to i n i t i a te t h i s n ew
department, separate from the Department of
Global Health Development Policy Sciences.
We are interested in how nutrition underpins
human health and may mediate interactions
between infections and non- communicablediseases such as diabetes. The research aims
to provide an evidence base to suppor tnutrition-based interventions to improve healthoutcomes and includes young children,
adolescents, pregnant women and adults in lowand middle - income countries. Much of thecurrent work is focused on Tuberculosis (TB),
undernutrition and diabetes in TB patients in thePhilippines , with research studies in bothi n p a t i e nt a n d o u t p a t i e n t p o p u l a t i o n s . We
collaborate with investigators from San Lazaro
Hospital, Manila, the Nutrition Centre of thePhilippines and the National TB programme.
Professor Cox is the principle investigator of alarge Filipino TB treatment cohort (the St-ATT
cohort) (ISRCTN16347615), with active follow-up
of patients until 2 years post-treatment. The
cohor t also includes 3 nested PhD student
research projects with collaborators at the
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine(LSHTM). Professor Cox is also a co-investigatoron a new, UK-funded, multi - countr y study
i nve s t i g a t i n g t h e ro l e o f t h e p a n c re a s i n

Our department is involved in various branches ofpublic health research. With cutting edge IT andbiotechnology, we intend: to create more accurate
assessment methods in global health, to improve
responses to the public health needs on a local level, andto open new directions in health sciences to the future
generations. Our activities include the following:
1. Development of Microsphere-Based SimultaneousMultiple Assay System and Surveillance Systems forMultiple Infectious Diseases:
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are spreading
across sub-Saharan Africa, but the current assessment
on NTDs is still unclear. At the same time, simple andcost-effective methods for monitoring NTDs areneeded. To fill in this gap, we are developing asimultaneous multiple antibody detection assay system,
utilizing microsphere-based multiplex technology andsampling system for the survey using the satellite
images to detect house structures with the University ofTokyo.
2. Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) for the
Epidemiological Research:
In many developing countries, CRVS systems are still
deficient, and this affects the statistical analysis of the
population in a given region. For this, the resident
registration system for the epidemiological research in agiven location called Health and Demographic

long-term effects of malnutrition occurring inchild- and adulthood, with data collection in
Philippines, India, Tanzania and Zambia, led by
Prof Suzanne Filteau at LSHTM.
Other ongoing research includes investigating
the determinants of malnutrition of young
ch i l d re n wi t h i n t he N H A M b i r t h co h o r t i n
Cambodia (National Centre for Global Health,Japan), with a focus on infant feeding, hygiene,
infections and the microbiome,collaborating with the Quadram Institute UK.

TB ward at San Lazaro Hospital, Manila

1. Miyazaki et al. 7UDQV56RF7URS0HG +\J 2020.
doi:10.1093/trstmh/traa020(epub ahead of print)
2. White et al.6FL5HS; 10(1): 4100
3. Lee et al. 3/R621( 2019; 14(6): e0218193.
4. White et al. 3/R621( 2019; 14(5): e0215968.
5. Shridhar et al. &XUU'HY1XWU 2019; 3(3): nzy085.

Surveillance System (HDSS) was developed. HDSS
follows residents, and their dynamics over a long period.
We are operating HDSS programs to develop future
CRVS system integrating the cloud-based mother andchild registration system in Kenya and Laos.
3. Epidemiological studies for healthy growth of children
in Africa:
The Kwale district in Kenya is one of the poorest areas
with high prevalence of stunted growth. We areconducting epidemiological studies on stunting (shorter
than the standard for age). In addition, we will establish abirth cohort regarding pregnancy, birth, and subsequent
child development, and also acquire childcare andfeeding activities, as well as environmental information,
to elucidate the epidemiological basis for investigating
factors related to child growth.
4. Research to clarify the molecular bases of parasitic
diseases:
Besides field work, basic research especially on
schistosomiasis, amoebiasis and leishmaniasis are being
conducted in our lab. We are dedicated to apply ourachievements from the lab to the field.
5. Research on monkey malaria vectors applying the
3D-printing technology-based original mosquito trap:
We are working in northern Borneo in collaboration withresearch teams in the UK and University Malaysia Sabah.

Assistant Professor

Tomonori Hoshi
1. Hitachi et al. ,QW%UHDVWIHHG- 2019; 14: 32.
2. Hoshi et al. 6FL5HS 2019; 9(1): 11412.
3. Tanaka et al. 3XEOLF+HDOWK 2019; 173: 58.
4. Shimazaki et al. ,QW-7XEHUF/XQJ'LV 2018; 22(1): 65-72.
5. Sato et al. ,QW-(QYLURQ5HV3XEOLF+HDOWK 2019; 16(16): E2954.

09Public andEnvironmental Health

Department of International
Health and Medical Anthropology

Professor

Department of International Health andimpact on its hosts. Based on that perception,

Medical Anthropology has started its activities

our department aims to get more detailed

since 2008.

understanding

Our research was composed of four

diseases.

andinsightoninfectious

We would like to pursue theunits; 1) research on infectious diseases inways of analysis by various approaches such

ecosystem, 2) research on the environment

as molecular-evolutional technique, molecular

health, 3) research on biological evolution of

epidemiology, detection of trace DNA, genomics

microorganisms from the adaptation or

based on bioinformatics, mathematical model,

fitness viewpoint and 4) research on theand computer science.

epidemiology from the historical viewpoint.

Another pillar of our department is a social

The umbrella concept linking above four

responsibility. Now that even profit oriented

research units is to reconstruct infectiousorganizations

diseases "temporally" and "spatially" alike.

corporate social responsibility, no need toarerequired

to

have

its

Infection is the biological phenomenon

say for academia or university. Out of theas an interaction between hosts andname of our department, it must be nothing

microorganisms. In other words, hostbut contribution to international health or

behavior, social structure as well as culture

people's health in resource-limited settings.

per se affect microorganisms in fitness andWhat we think of important is to makeadaptation

solidarity in order to contribute to sustainable

whereasmicroorganism

hasdevelopment. It is our department's goal.

Taro Yamamoto
Assistant Professor

Hiromu Ito

1. Ito et al. 6FL5HS 2019; 9: 17408.
2. Tu et al. %0-2SHQ 2019; 9(11): e027659.
3. Ito et al. 3/R621( 2019; 14(8): e0221520.
4. Tsai et al. -0LFURELRO0HWKRGV 2019; 164: 105671.
5. Ito et al. $SSO0DWK&RPSXW 2019; 348: 363-370.

Public andEnvironmental Health

Department of Vector
Ecology and Environment

Our research interests include

Southeastern populations. The results

any thing from ecology to molecularsuggest that the African mosquito

biology of medically important arthropods,

populations were introduced from thepar ticularly mosquitoes that transmit

overseas. To test the hypothesis further,pathogens such as malaria parasites and

we a re c u r re n t l y c o n d u c t i n g va r i o u sdengue v i r us in Africa and Southeast

studies, including a study on virus

A s i a . We a re a l s o i n t e re s t e d i n t h e i r

susceptibility.

relationships with environmental variables

Fo r re d u c i ng ma l a r ia r i s k , we a re

a n d d eve l o p m e n t of e nv i ro n m e n t a l l ye v a l u a t i n g t h e e f fe c t i v e n e s s o f n ew

friendly vector control tools.

insecticides and insecticide treated

For dengue virus vectors, we revealedmosquito nets (ITNs) in Kenya and Malawi.

the geographical distributions of two

We are also developing a malaria earlysubspecies of (LKLZHLN`W[P in East andwarning system in Africa.

South African regions. Our study also
fo u n d t h a t t h e g e n e t i c s t r u c t u re s of
( L  H L N ` W [ P W V W \ S H [ P V U Z i n t h e e n d e m i c
Professor

a re a s of Africa are similar to those of

Noboru Minakawa
Associate Professor

Hitoshi Kawada
Assistant Professor

Toshihiko Sunahara
Assistant Professor

Kyoko Futami

1. Kawada et al. -SQ-,QIHFW'LV 2020; 73(2): 124-131.
2. Futami et al. -0HG(QWRPRO 2019.doi:10.1093/jme/tjz233.
3. Yamamoto et al. %LRVHQV%LRHOHFWURQ 2019; 132: 375-381.
4. Kim et al. 6FL5HS 2019; 9(1).doi:10.1038/s41598-019-53838-3.
5. Sunahara. -SQ-,QIHFW'LV 2019; 72(6): 368-373.

10

Public andEnvironmental Health

Department of International Health
Development and Policy

Department of International Health Development and Policy (former Department of Social Environment) was
re-established in 2018 by inviting three concurrent professors from the School of Tropical Medicine and Global
Health (TMGH). The three professors have expertise of health system strengthening (H. Aiga), child health andemergency assistance (Y. Kamiya), and human ecology and ecohealth (K. Moji). The department promotes policy
researches in various global health fields for making critical evaluation and constructive proposal for health policy.

Health System Strengthening
In the absence of appropriately
functioning systems for health ser vicedelivery, new medical technologies anddrugs that are clinically effective would
end up not reaching the populations in
need. Key elements of health systems (e.g.
health workforce, health information andhealth financing) particularly in the context
of LMICs are one of my research topics.
Needless to say, while recognizing theimportance of optimization and adaptationof global standards for health systems tolocal settings, their critical verification andexamination in view of field realities areequally important.

An experienced nurse managing a rural health center in Brundi

1. Aiga. /DQFHW 2020; 395(10217): 27.
2. Aiga et al. %0&3XEOLF+HDOWK 2019; 19(1): 773.
3. Aiga et al. *ORE+HDOWK$FWLRQ 2016; 9(2): 29924.
4. Aiga et al. %0&3XELF+HDOWK 2016; 16: 129.
5. Aiga, %0- 2015; 351: H4990.

Implementation Science in Healthand Disability

Professor

Hirotsugu Aiga
Professor

Yasuhiko Kamiya

My support and study is focused on redressing
health disparity in low- and middle-income countries.
Notwithstanding global evidence - based aid andnational policy, health disparity has been widening
with know- do gap and mismatch (coexistence ofexcess and deficiency) in health service delivery due
t o o r g a n i z a t i o n a l p a t h d e p e n d e n c y, l a c k o fcoordination, ver tical silo of programs and aid
fragmentation. Just attributing health disparity tolack of access to, and low supply of health care canmislead and delay its fundamental problems.
Through Implementation Science applying tointernational cooperation for maternal and childhealth, suppor t for disabled children andn o n - c o m m u n i c a b l e d i s e a s e s , a n d e m e rg e n cy
humanitarian assistance, my assistance and researchfacilitate local staff and people identify bottlenecks
a n d b a r r i e r to s t re n g t h e n h e a l t h sys te m s a n dgovernance based on bottom-up problem-solving.

Training for Community Health Workers in Honduras

1. Akiyama et al. +HDOWK3URPRW,QW2020; daaa005.
2. Hitachi et al. ,QW%UHDVWIHHG- 2019; 14: 32.
3. Kodaira et al. -,QW+HDOWK 2019; 34(1): 19-25.
4. Tsukakoshi et al. 9LURO- 2015; 12: 36.
5. Sasaki et al. -7URS3HGLDWU 2015; 61(1): 14-19.

Professor

Kazuhiko Moji

Health Policy based on Human Ecology
Social determinants of health disparities havebeen revealed through studies of social epidemiology
since the late 20th Century. Health impacts of global
cl i m a te change as we l l as g l o b al (a n d l o c a l )environmental changes have been revealed almost

A research field in Laos

11

simultaneously. To integrate all the factors related toour health, human ecological system thinking, or“ecohealth” thinking is indispensable. For global
health (or international health development) policy,
not only improvement of medical services but also
health promotion and disease prevention by meansof better hygiene and safer and healthier lifestyleand non-medical care and social supports should becollectively implemented. Health policy is beyond thenarrow medical policy. This department will promoteresearches on evaluation of health policy on
population health for better policy proposal.

1. Sato et al. ,QW-(QYLURQ5HV3XEOLF+HDOWK 2019; 16: pii:E2954.
2. Hoshi et al. 6FL5HS 2019; 9(1): 11412.
3. Pongvongsa et al. 7URS0HG+HDOWK 2018; 46: 33.
4. Sato et al. 3/R61HJO7URS'LV 2018; 12(2).
5. Hashizume et al. $FWD7URS 2017; 169: 1-7.

Clinical Medicine
and Research

Department ofClinical Medicine

Koya Ariyoshi
Chris Smith
Associate Professor Konosuke Morimoto
Associate Professor Yoshinao Kubo
Assistant Professor Eiichiro Sando
Assistant Professor Momoko Yamauchi

This is the only clinical department in NEKKEN clinical in
Nagasaki University Hospital. We conduct a wide range ofmulti-disciplinary studies our strength of clinical epidemiology
to laboratory-based microbiology and immunology both in- andoutside Japan. Our main research interests are respiratory
infectious diseases, tropical infectious diseases, tuberculosis(TB) and HIV/AIDS. Specific research topics are as described
below:
1. Respiratory Infections Diseases
We apply our in-house multiplex-PCR assays to identify 19
different viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens and a novel
nano-fluidic real-time PCR-based assay to determine 50
pneumococcus serotypes for a multi-center adult pneumonia
survey all over Japan and childhood acute respiratory infection
study in central Vietnam. We published several papers
demonstrating vaccine efficacy against pneumococcal
pneumonia and influenza. Since 2009, we have run a birthcohort study of about 2,000 pairs of mothers and new-bornbabies, which facilitates studies of host- gene factors
associating the severity of pediatric infectious diseases.

Professor
Professor

Bed-side clinical training course in San Lazaro Hospital

Clinical Epidemiological Studies on Pediatric Infectious
DiseasesClinical Medicine andResearch

Department of Pediatric
Infectious Diseases

The Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases
conducts research on a wide range of infectious diseases
with special attention on severe pediatric infectious
diseases including pneumonia, diarrhea, and dengue which
are the major causes of under 5 mortality. We also
investigate congenital infections and its impact on childdevelopment. We have setup a field research laboratory anda population cohort study site in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
Environmental epidemiology is another area of our interest,
focusing on the health impacts of atmosphericenvironmental changes including climate variability, global
climate change and air pollution.
The current research topics,

Professor

Lay Myint Yoshida
Associate Professor

Michiko Toizumi
Assistant Professor

Mohammad Shah
Assistant Professor

Lina Madaniyazi

1. Cohort studies on Pediatric Infectious Diseases inVietnam: We receive funding from the Japan Initiative for
Global Research Network on Infectious Diseases (JGRID),
Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development(AMED) to conduct a large population based cohort study on
Pediatric Infectious Diseases in Nha Trang, central Vietnam
since 2006.
2. Pediatric ARI surveillance: A population based hospitalized
Pediatric acute respiratory infection (ARI) surveillance at
Khanh Hoa General Hospital, Nha Trang, Vietnam wasestablished to determine incidence, etiology and risk factors
for pediatric ARI/pneumonia since 2007. We also investigate
the emergence of new viruses and its molecular and clinicalimportance. In addition, we also investigate the impact or
potential of various vaccine introduction on pneumonia anddengue in a population level.
3. Birth cohort study: We have conducted a birth cohort
study on 2000 new born babies in Nha Trang, Vietnam since2009. This study is to study congenital infection and hostgenetic factors on physical-neurological development of thechild and development of severe pediatric infectious
diseases. We also set up a new birth cohort study in
2017-2018 to investigate congenital infection including

2. Tuberculosis
For bet ter- diagnosis of latent MTB infection andtuberculosis, we are analyzing cellular immune responses tovarious TB antigens using an intra-cellular cytokine staining
assay to evaluate a range of cytokines profile in various stages
of TB infection and their contact cases. Our goal is to clarify
TB-specific cellular immune responses characteristic to adifferent clinical stage of TB infection. We also investigatedpathogens causing bacterial pneumonia and its impact on thesurvival prognosis of TB patients admitted to the National
Infectious Diseases Hospital (San Lazaro Hospital) in thePhilippines.
3. Fever management in the tropics
We are conducting undiagnosed febrile illness study in the
Department of Infectious Diseases, Bac Mai Hospital, Hanoi,
Vietnam and the National Infectious Disease Hospital (San Lazaro
Hospital), the Philippines, by applying diagnostic tests for
leptospirosis and various richettial diseases. We also coordinate a
bed-side clinical training course in tropical medicine.
4. HIV/AIDS Studies
In collaboration with National Institute of Health, Thailand,
Bac Mai Hospital, Vietnam, Philippine General Hospital, andNagoya Medical Center, we have investigated the pattern ofopportunistic infections among HIV/AIDS patients and disclosed
different clinical pictures in different geographical settings.
1. Saito et al. &OLQ,QIHFW'LV 2018; 67: 897-904.
2. Sando et al. (PHUJ,QIHFW'LV 2018; 24: 1633-1641.
3. Katoh et al. 3/R61HJO7URS'LV 2019; 13: e0007928.
4. Yamashita et al. )URQW,PPXQRO2019; 10: Article2807.
5. Saito et al. &OLQ,QIHFW'LV 2020; Marc11.

rubella, cytomegalo, and zika virus and the effect on thechild development.
4. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) reduced dosing
trial: We received a multimillion dollar grant from Bill andMelinda Gates Foundation to conduct a PCV reduce dosing
trial in Vietnam. We believe that the study outcome willchange global PCV vaccination strategy to improve theavailability of PCV and other vaccines in developing
countries.
5. Dengue intra-family transmission in the community: In
collaboration with London School of Hygiene and Tropical
Medicine, we are conducting a dengue intra-familytransmission study in the community in Nha Trang.
6. Environmental epidemiology: We are conducting several
studies on health impact of climate change and air pollution
on the local and global scale.

PCV vaccination field work in Nha Trang

1. Madaniyazi et al. ,QW-%LRPHWHRURO 2020; 64; 367-375.
2. Yoshihara et al. ,QIHFW*HQHW(YRO 2020; 81: 104264.
3. Wang et al. /DQFHW*ORE+HDOWK 2020; 8(4): e497-e510.
4. Kitamura et al. (PHUJ,QIHFW'LV 2020; 26(3): 596-600.
5. Toizumi et al. 6FL5HS 2019; 9(1): 17105.

12

Nagasaki University has entered into a

Shionogi Global
Infectious Diseases

Alliance Coordinatorcollaboration both domestic and overseas, and willwithestablish a platform aiming at eradication of malaria.

Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka, Japan) in

We will strive to contribute to the health of people

comprehensive

cooperationagreement

the field of infectious diseases focused on malaria

around the world through ongoing provision of the

on February 28, 2019. Through this agreement,

best preventive and therapeutics of malaria.

Nagasaki University and Shionogi intended toestablish Shionogi Global Infectious Disease
Division (SHINE) as a collaborative research divisionat Institute of Tropical Medicine. The aim of theestablishment is to accelerate and facilitate thedrug discovery research for malaria. Over the next
five years, this division will concentrate on studies
to understand the life cycle of malaria parasites
and the host defense mechanism, which areessential for the diagnosis and treatment ofmalaria. And final goals are to create an innovate
novel drug and vaccine based on the findings fromthe studies.
Malaria is one of the top 3 infectious diseases
worldwide along with AIDS and tuberculosis, and mainly
occurs in epidemics in tropical regions and subtropicalProfessor

Tsuyoshi Kihara

S h i o n o g i P re s s Re l e a s e , Fe b28 , 2019, S h i o n o g i e n t e rs into
Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement in the Field of Infectious
Disease Focused on Malaria with Nagasaki University

regions. The efficacy of existing preventive vaccine isinsufficient and also a number of parasites have beendeveloping resistance to existing medicines. Therefore,
malaria has been a serious threat to human globally.
Our division consists 4 departments, Cellular
Architecture Studies, Molecular Infection Dynamics,
Immune regulation and Exploratory Research for
Drug Discovery. Through the collaboration, Nagasaki
University and Shionogi will become a key part of the
new open innovation based on the industry-academia

1. Shionogi Global Infectious Diseases Division

Shionogi Global
Infectious Diseases

Department of Cellular
Architecture Studies

discover a new drug target .

We searchmolecular factors that are involved in ʻintelligent

Shionogi Global Infectious Diseases Divisioninterior designʼ by parasites, and aim to find new

was established in April 2019, through theantimalarial drug targets and compounds whichcollaboration agreement between Shionogi

p reve nt s t ra n s i t i o n to s e r ve r ma l a r i a . O u r& Co. , LTD. and Nagasaki University to tackle

re s e a rc h h a s b e e n m e rg i n g a d va n t a g e s o fmalaria. Four laboratories, Departments of Cellularclassica l b i o c h e m i s tr y/cellula r b i o l o g y andArchitecture Studies, Molecular Infection Dynamics,

biophysical approaches . High - resolution

Immune Regulation, and Exploratory Researchi m a g i n g , l i p i d o m i c s , p r o t e i n c h e m i s t r y,

for Drug Discovery. We share same laboratory

high-throughput screening for inhibitor

space and team up for our mission to find new drug

compounds have been actively used to achieve

and vaccine candidates by taking advantages ofour goal. We share our data and collaborate

expertise from each department. This is thewit h other three laboratories for advanced

unique but powerful collaboration that expands

experiments for for tif ying our scientific

our scientific potential and flexibility.

competence.

2. Research Activity
Blood stage of malaria parasite invades
human erythrocytes and proliferates by creatingi t s own c e l l u l a r e nv i ro n m e n t . T h is p ro c e s sProfessor

includes fo r mations of co m p l ex m e m b rane

Assistant Professor

transpor tations of parasite proteins to

Fuyuki Tokumasu
Shinya Miyazaki

structures inside er y throcy te cytoplasm anderythrocyte membrane. Studying this host cell

感染細胞内に形成される複雑な膜構造。
感染後まもなく赤血球細胞に大小様々な膜形成が起こり始める。

modifications is essential in Plasmodium
falciparum research, that often induces severforms of malaria. We believe that unveiling themolecular mechanisms of structural andchemical balance of parasitized erythrocytes
a l l ows u s to f i n d i m p o r t a n t i n fo r m a t i o n to

13

1. Tanaka et al. %LRO2SHQ 2019; 8: bio042259.
2. Balogun et al. %LRFKLP%LRSK\V$FWD*HQ6XEM 2017; 1861(11Pt A): 2830-2842.
3. Shindou et al. -%LRO&KHP 2017; 292: 12054-12064.
4. Tokumasu et al. %LRO2SHQ 2014; 3: 529-541.
5. Tokumasu et al. ([S3DUDVLWRO 2012; 131: 245-251.

Shionogi Global
Infectious Diseases

Department of Molecular
Infection Dynamics

The Department of Molecular Infection

We also conduct research on cancer.

Dynamics, in cooperation with Department ofIntestinal parasites have evolved sophisticatedExploratory Research for Drug Discovery aim

machinery to adapt and survive in hypoxic

to identify drug target molecules and toandestablish screening systems in order to find lead(microenvironment). Certain type of cancer

compounds with potential use for treatment,

cells also possess similar machinery to sur vive

prophylaxis and transmission blocking against

under tumor microenvironment.

malaria.

nutrient

deprived

environment

Our activities are supported by research
grants acquired from KAKENHI (MEXT), AMED,This Department conduct research on

GHIT and Private Companies.

microaerophilic metabolism conserved inseveralpathogens

such

as

parasites(protozoa and helminth) and bacteria, in orderto understand the molecular mechanism ofparasitism phenomena.
We utilize multidisciplinary approaches,
consisted by biochemistry, molecular biology,
biophysics, structural biology and chemical
biology, to conduct our basic and applied
Associate Professor

Daniel Ken Inaoka
Assistant Professor

Takaya Sakura

research.
Our target infectious diseases include
protozoan parasites such as 7SHZTVKP\T spp.,;OLPSLYPH spp., ;Y`WHUVZVTH JY\aP ; IY\JLP and
3LPZOTHUPH spp.; helminthes such as (ZJHYPZ
Z\\T (UPZHRPZ spp., /HLTVUJO\Z JVU[VY[\Z and
-HZJPVSH spp., and bacterial pathogens such as
4`JVIHJ[LYP\T spp、and /LSPJVIHJ[LYW`SVYP.

1. Young et al. %%$%LRHQHUJHWLFV 2020; 1861(10): 148247
2. Uno et al. -%LRO&KHP 2020; 295(8): 2449-2463.
3. Enkai et al. 3DUDVLWRO,QW 2020; 75: 102004.
4. Balogun et al. )$6(%- 2019; 33(11): 13002-13013.
5. Araki et al. 3URF1DWO$FDG6FL86$ 2019; 116(17): 8269-8274.

Our scope is the analysis of the human

We started our study with mouse malaria

immune response against malaria, especiallymodel, we aim to apply our research finding forShionogi Global
Infectious Diseases

relate to malaria vaccine development.

human malaria especially for 7SHZTVKP\T

Department of
Immune Regulation

protozoan parasite 7SHZTVKP\T, responsible of

The life cycle in human body of the

MHSJPWHY\T. We hope our study will contribute todeveloping better malarial vaccine.

malaria, is divided into two stages; erythrocyticand liver- stage. Even with argent appearance ofdrug resistant strain, there are many current
antimalarial drugs available for the erythrocytic
stage. On the other hand, for the liver-stage,
there are few drugs available with undesirable
side effects, thus vaccine and drug development
are still an urgent issue for this stage.
Cellular immuni t y including cy totoxic T
lymphocytes (CTL) is considered essential for
protection against liver stage malaria. But many
vaccine development aim to induce neutralizing
a n t i b o d y, t h e m a i n e f f e c t o r o f h u m o r a limmunity, and cellular immunity has not been

Associate Professor

Shusaku Mizukami

considered enough.
T h e refo re , we fo c u s o n t h e l i ve r s t a g emalaria as the target for our cellular immunityb a s e d va c c i ne d eve l o p m e n t . O u r p la n is to
examine and optimize: (a)vaccine antigen whichlead the protection by cellular immunity, (b)theantigen deliver y system, (c)the adjuvant androute of administration to enhance immune
response.

1. Phuong et al. $QQ&OLQ0LFURELRO$QWLPLFUREH 2019; 18(1): 10.
2. Manh et al.-*HQ9LRO 2018; 99(9): 1239-1247.
3. Tani et al. -0HG&KHP 2018; 61(14): 6399.
4. Inokuchi et al. $UFK9LRO 2018; 163(9): 2337-2347.
5. Mosaddeque et al. $QWLPLFURE$JHQWV&KHPRWKHU 2018; 62(5):e02424-17.

14

Malaria is one of the three largest infectious
diseases in the world, which aligns with HIV andShionogi Global
Infectious Diseases

Department of Exploratory
Research for Drug Discovery■ Conducting target discovery and basic research
for antimalarial drugs

tuberculosis. More than 200 million people are
infected with malaria and more than 400,000
people died annually. There has been still noeffective vaccine, and resistant malaria to existing
therapeutic drugs have been reported, and thedevelopment of new drugs is urgently necessary.
In this department, a Shionogiʼs researcher isin charge of principal investigator, and together
with the three departments in SHINE division. We
will take on the role of hubs that connect research
assets such as know-how and global network ofmalaria research, which are the strengths ofNagasaki University, and screening drug discovery
utilizing the small molecule SAR (structure-activity
relationship) engine, which is the strengths ofShionogi, to promote the discovery research of
new therapeutic drugs by taking advantage ofeach strengths. Especially, the purpose is tocreate a therapeutic drug with strong antimalarial

Visiting Associate Professor

Teruhisa Kato

(Director, Head of Infectious Diseases
3 Group, SHIONOGI & CO., LTD.)

activity and high safety with the department of
Molecular Infection Dynamics.
Research activities are as follows:■ Promotion of drug discover y research on
screening-based drug discovery■ Implementation of Hit to Lead Structure-Activity
Relationship (SAR), and creating lead scaffolds■ Optimization of drug metabolism, safety, andphysical parameters of candidate compounds

1. Ryckmans et al. %LRRUJ0HG&KHP/HWW2011; 21: 4857-4859.
2. Mori et al. -3KDUPDFRO([S7KHU2009; 328: 671-679.

within Shionogi

Associated Facility
Center for Infectious Disease Research in Asia and Africa

Kenya Research
StationChief Representative, Professor

Satoshi Kaneko
Assistant Professor

Taeko Moriyasu

Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical
Medicine and Kenya Medical Research Institute(NUITM-KEMRI) Project was launched by signing
the Memorandum of Understanding between the
President of NUITM, and the Director of KEMRI in
2005. The objective of the project was to enhanceresearch and to develop capacity building in thetropical medicine at the field level. In January 2006,
Kenya Research Station was established to manage
the project. Biosafety Level 2 and 3 laboratories,
and insectary for mosquitos were installed in thestation. Research field sites were also established in
Mbita near the Lake Victoria, and in Kwale on the
coast side of Kenya. Health and Demographic
Surveillance System (HDSS) has registered the
population of about 120,000 people in the field, as
well as vital events like birth, death and migration in
two research areas. Additionally, Mosquito
Surveillance System (MSS) has been functional for
research on malarial mosquitos in Mbita.
1. Research activities:
Basic research teams are organized according to
the external research grants or funds. Until now,the SATREPS Project for rapid diagnostics, and theestablishment of an alert system for the outbreakof Yellow Fever and Rift Valley Fever were achieved
and completed in 2017. AMED-funded project forserological surveillance on neglected tropicaldiseases (NTDs) is successfully completed in 2020.
We will start research activities toward theformation of IoT academic centers that contributeto the improvement and improvement of global
health as an Asia-Africa Science Platforms ofCore-to-Core Program supported by the JSPS.
There are 13 research activities conducted at
Kenya Research Station funded by the JSPS
(KAKEN). In addition, our researches are supportedby the pharmaceutical companies and the funding
agencies such as the Grand Challenge Canada that
supports the development of mother and childregistration system.
2. Education and training activities:
The station is accepting Masterʼs and PhD students
from the Graduate School of Tropical Medicine andGlobal Health, and the Graduate School of
Biomedical Sciences at Nagasaki University. The
station is also providing research opportunities foryoung researchers, and students from Kenyan
institutions.
3. Social contribution activities:
We began a JICA Grass-root project focusing on
Jigger control in Mbita since 2019, as means for the
feedback to the communities.

1. Takeuchi et al. 3/R61HJO7URS'LV 2019; 13(8): e0007572.
2. Shah et al. $P-7URS0HG+\J 2019; 101: 290-293.
3. Shah et al. $P-7URS0HG+\J 2019; 100: 688-690.
4. Wandera et al. ,QIHFW*HQHW(YRO 2018; 68: 231-248.
5. Shah et al. 7URS0HG+HDOWK 2018; 46: 30.

15

Associated Facility
Center for Infectious Disease Research in Asia and Africa

Vietnam Research
StationChief Representative, Professor

Futoshi Hasebe

Since 2015, the Japan Initiative for Global Research
Network on Infectious Disease (J-GRID) project has beentaken over to the newly established Japan Agency for
Medical Research and Development (AMED) and J-GRID
project, this is the final year of the 3rd phase. The 4 main
research subjects are dengue fever, infectious diarrhea,
influenza, and drug-resistant bacteria, and also severe
childhood pneumonia, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis areincluded to study to contribute to prevention of infectious
diseases collaboration with National Center for Global Healthand Medicine, Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Tottori
University, Kyoto Sangyo University, and the Kitasato
Institute. Furthermore, every year an open lecture on
infectious diseases has been held for Japanese residents in
Vietnam as outreach activity. In the year 2019, the 12th open
lecture was held. Dr Makiko Iijima (WHO Vietnam Country
Office) was invited and gave lecture for child illness andvaccination in Vietnam. The Vietnam Research Station in the
National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) in
Hanoi is currently manned by 4 staffs from NU, and the Nha
Trang sub-station by a permanent staff of 2 people, in
addition to which 6 staff from NU and a fur ther 25
researchers from other research institutions participate in
the activities of the Station and conduct research. The
Vietnam Research Station has been conducting educational

NIHE-NU scientific symposium at Nagasaki University, 2018.

Associated Facility

Tropical Medicine
MuseumProfessor

Junko Okumura
Technologist

Kazuo Araki

support as an early exposure facility in the Program for
Nur turing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging
Communicable Diseases that was launched in 2015.
Fur thermore, the Station is also utilized as anon-the-job-training facility for other researchers not justfrom NU. In 2017 the Station was visited by 1 undergraduate
university students, 2 graduate students, 4 high school
students and 1 administrative staff from NU, through whicha wide diversity of human resource fostering activities wereconducted.
Fro m A p r i l in 2020, a new p roje c t “ Em e rg ing andRe-emerging Infectious Diseases Research Promotion
Project in Vietnam” will be started in Vietnam.

A lecture for high school students as Super
Global High School's program.

1. Ngwe Tun et al. $P-7URS0HG+\J 2020; 102(6): 1217-1225.
2. Wijesooriya et al. /DQFHW,QIHFW'LV 2020; 20(2): 168-169.
3. Hoa-Tran et al. ,QIHFW*HQHW(YRO 2020; 80: 10419
4. Bui et al. -SQ-,QIHFW'LV 2019; 73: 153-153.
5. Hoa-Tran et al. ,QIHFW*HQHW(YRO 2019; 73: 1-6.

The Museum of Tropical Medicine has functions as aresource center on Tropical Medicine. There are sections
providing information on tropical diseases, parasites,
bacteria, virus, insects (vectors), specimen of dangerous
animals, audio-visual materials and historically valuable
documents on tropical medicine. The audio-visual section
demonstrates interesting scientific movies with 80-inch
screen. We have newly established a booth to identify
m o s q u i to e s by o b s e r va t i o n to a ro u s e i n t e re s t a n dunderstanding on tropical infectious diseases for wider age
group.

Although main visitors are Japanese, quite a few people
visit from overseas. For these foreigners English translated
panels are installed in i-Pads and lend them when it isrequested. In 2019, we added Chinese (mandarin) translationin the i-Pads.
We collaborate with the event, “BOON-KA-SAI,” which
was held at National Museum of Emerging Science andInnovation (Tokyo, June 29 ‒ 30 in 2019). In addition tolending it our museum contents, we dispatched a staff toexplain on mosquito ecology there. There were more than3000 attendees.

Main activities of the museum in 2019 are categorisedin the following three.

● IT (INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY) INFRASTRUCTURE
MAINTENANCE: Network tools and servers are updated withtechnological innovation and maintaining its security. It
provides safe and secure IT environment to researchers,
students and staff members who work at NEKKEN.
With IT innovations, the requests from the NEKKEN members
are getting wide variety ones. To respond to them we obtainnew software and devices as much as possible.
In 2019, we renovated the NEKKEN homepage. Since them weare maintaining the system as well as renewing the contents.

● MUSEUM MANAGEMENT & OPERATION: The museum
provides information on tropical infectious diseases by using
approximately100 panels, microscopic images, movies,
specimens, educational models of BSL-4, and PPE (PersonalProtective Equipment) for BSL-4.
Since 2018 we organise and operate NEKKEN Summer
School targeting young audience such as junior high schooland high school students. In addition, we started to exhibit
PPE for BSL-3, mosquito net, mosquito mascot (NEKKEN
original) and newly established a booth to identify mosquitoes
by observation to arouse interest and understanding on
tropical infectious diseases for wider age group.

● RESEARCH: Prof. Okumura conducts field research in Lao
PDR and Republic of Guinea. She collects epidemiological
data on infectious diseases, health seeking behavior, nutrition
etc. in order to identify factors affect child health. Also, shecollects various kinds of information on BSL-4 laboratories in
the world to establish much secure environment of the
National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of
Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University.
1. Okumura et al. -,QWO+HDOWK 2019; 34(1): 35-43.
2. Delamou et al. /DQFHW*ORE+HDOWK 2017; 5(4): e448-e457.
3. Camara et al. 7UDQV56RF7URS0HG+\J 2017; 111: 22-29.
4. Delamou et al. %0-*OREDO+HDOWK 2017; 2: e000202.
5. Delamou et al. $IU-5HSURG+HDOWK 2017; 32(1): 104-113.

16

Associated Facility

Central ResearchLaboratory

The aim of the Central Research Laboratory

instruments to perform basic, translational, andis to efficiently operate and manage common

clinical research on the imaging features ofequipments and to support general laboratory

infectious diseases. We operate Nikon Infectious

activities in the institute. In addition, thisDisease Imaging Core laboratory established inlaborator y also suppor ts research activities

April 2015. The laboratory has equipped Laser

conducte d in the institute by ex tramural

Scanning Confocal/Fluorescence Microscope

investigators.

(NIKON), Imaging Flow Cytometer (Luminex), Laser
Scanning Confocal/Superresolution Microscope○Molecular & Cellular Biology Unit

(ZEISS), and a Virtual Slide Scanner (Nanozoomer

Molecular & Cellular Biology Unit is

2.0-RS, Hamamatsu Photonics).

responsible to maintain and operate following
equipments located in the Central Research○Electron Microscope Unit

Laboratory; 16- and 48-capillary sequencers,

Electron Microscope Unit suppor ts

GS junior genome sequencer and Massultrastructural characterization of microbial

Spectrometr y-based Genotyping system forpathogens and the structural chang e of theg e n o m e a n a l y s i s; F l ow C y t o m e t e r fo r c e l lpathogen-infected cells. This unit offers highfunction analysis; luminescence imager forq u a l i t y i m a g i n g s e r v i c e s b y s t a t e - o f- a r tvisualization analysis; and Luminex Bead-array

techniques such as conventional andsystem and Fluorescence - Luminescence

immuno - electron microscopy and 3D

Multilabel Counter for multipurpose analysis. In

to mography, and also prov ides t raining on

Shinjiro Hamano

addition, this unit is also responsible forsample preparation and equipment usage. This

maintaining the equipments/facilities to supportu n i t i s r e s p o n s i b l e f o r Tr a n s m i s s i o n a n d

Mihoko Kikuchi

general la b orator y acti vit ies; such as PureS c a n n i n g E l e c t ro n M i c r o s c o p e s (J EO L ),Wa ter Su p p l y, Ul t racentrifuge , Lyophilize r,

U l t r a - M i c ro t o m e s ( L E I CA a n d R E I C H E R T ),S p e e d -Va c , Fre n c h P re s s , B i o r u p to r, B e a dvacuum coater, Hydrophilic Treatment Device,

Crusher, sample storage in liquid nitrogen,a n d O s m i u m P l a s m a C o a t e r i n a d d i t i o n to

Head and Professor

Senior Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor

Miako Sakaguchi

general laboratory facilities for a wide range

Autoclave, dark room and cold room.

application of electron microscopy.
○Light Microscope Unit
Light Microscope Unit provides optical

NEKKEN Bio-Resource Center (NBRC)

Associated Facility

NEKKEN Bio-Resource
CenterProject Representative, Professor

Osamu Kaneko

Service Manager, Assistant Professor

Makoto Kazama

pathogenic

protozoa

Nationalpreservation

of

BioResource

Project(NBRP)

fordeposit,(3)

protozoan

strains,(4)

mission in Institute of Tropical Medicine

distribution of a variety of protozoan strains,(NEKKEN). NBRP constructs the frameworkand (5) distribution of their microscopic

for systematic collection, preservation, andspecimens

distribution of bio-resources with a focus onorganizations. To facilitate the collection,

those that required strategic development

preservation, and provision of bio-resources,foreducationinacademic

by the National Government. To promote life

NBRC also implements the development ofsciences it is important for researchers to

related technologies. Approximately 900

share the various bio-resources necessary

strainsfor pursuing researches and developments.

preserved in NBRC, and approximately half

NEKKEN has participated to NBRP servicesof them are available to supply. Last year

since 2002 when it was initiated by the

NBRC provided 69 protozoan strains to

Ministry

researchers and 88 strains were depositedof

Education,

Culture,Sports,ofpathogenic

protozoa

areScience and Technology (MEXT), and has

to NBRC. Your cooperation and support tobeen maintained by Japan Agency forthe project would be highly appreciated.

Medical Research and Development (AMED)

Pathogenic protozoan resources available

from 2015. We have been serving as Divisionfrom NBRC are listed in the followingofwebsite.

Protozoa

in“Pathogenic

Eukaryotic

Microorganisms of a Core Facility Upgrading
Program” under Medical Mycology Research

http://www.tm.nagasaki-u.ac.jp/nbrc/

Center (MMRC), Chiba University.

E-mail: protozoa@tm.nagasaki-u.ac.jp

NBRC
education

supportsontheresearchandpathogenic

protozoa

byproviding following services; (1) web-based
database of pathogenic protozoa maintainedin Japan, including NBRC, with their owner17

and strain information (2) acceptance ofwas established in 2015 to take charge ofAssociated Facility

Neglected Tropical Diseases
Innovation Center(NTDi Center)

The Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a

Japan has been leading the G7 by supporting thegroup of infectious diseases that prevail in thecore programs such as the Pacific Programme totropical and poverty-stricken areas. They affectEliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (PacELF). As amore than one billion people worldwide, resulting

national collaborative center for tropical medicine,in prolonged poverty and economic hardship at

NEKKEN has a mission to take the leadership roleboth individual and geographical unit levels.

in research and development (R&D) to effectively

Ryutaro Hashimoto, then Japanese Primeeliminate or eradicate NTDs. To strengthen our

Minister, kicked off the global parasite strategy to

mission, NEKKEN has established an in-housecombat

NTDs

Initiative.

The

in

1998,

Initiative

so-called

Hashimotosection “Neglected Tropical Diseases Innovation

createdtheglobalCenter (NTDi Center)” in 2016, mandating tomomentum including various milestones; such as

promote a project to utilize institutional excellence

the NTD Roadmap in 2012, the International

for developing innovative product and to search

Public-Private

forPartnership,

and

the

LondonDeclaration for the mission to eradicate, eliminate

appropriate

funding

organizedbyindustry-academia-government partnership (PPP).

and control 10 NTDs by 2020. Also, in May 2013,

To accelerate this activity, Center is supporting a

the World Health Assembly resolved the resolution

hospital based cohort in Kenya to establish a drug

WHA 66.12, expanding the NTD definition to 17

vaccine trial site by PPP mechanism.

illnesses, which worked as another driver forCenter also initiated supporting activity toactive, global deployment of the initiative. 20

makediseases are currently classified under NTDs, as oforganizations,

October 2018.

Japan through maintaining an office of Japan

Since the Hashimoto Initiative rolled out,anetwork

betweeninstitutions

and

NTDs

relatedresearchersin

Alliance on Global NTDs (JAGntd) since 2018.

Director, Professor

Kenji Hirayama
Professor

Satoshi Kaneko
Professor

Tsuyoshi Kihara
Assistant Professor

Kota Yoshioka

Associated FacilityOﬃce of Coordinationfor Humanitarian Aﬀairs

Section Chief, Professor

Taro Yamamoto(Introduction)
In 2016, the Office of Coordination for
Humanitarian Affairs was set up in our
institute. Prof. Taro Yamamoto, who also
heads the Department of International
Health and Medical Anthropology, wasnominated as the first chief of this section.
One year has passed since its inception
during which time we have dispatchedmissions to natural disaster affected areas
and yellow fever epidemic areas.
（Aims）
The aims of this office are to provide
support to both natural and manmade
disaster areas. In order to undertake thesemissions, this office shall develop morehuman resources, do research, and become
the center of an international humanitarian
network.

Tohoku region in 2011 just after the East
Japan Great Earthquake, West Africa in 2014
and Nepal 2015.
These activities make
NEKKEN one of the leading organizations inJapan in terms of disaster relief activities.
Further, the infectious diseases team forJapanese Disaster Relief was decided in acabinet meeting in October, 2015 based
upon the fact that Ebola broke out in West
Africa in 2014 and there was an internationalcall for cooperation to help deal with it.
NEKKEN is expected to serve as one of themain stakeholders in this field and was asked
to participate on that team.
Because of all these events, setting up
the Office of Coordination for Humanitarian
Affairs was proposed.

（Organization）
１.Office of Coordination for Humanitarian
Affairs was set up in NEKKEN
２.Appoint one section chief (professor)（Past, Present and Future）
NEKKEN has dispatched missions to
disaster afflicted areas such as Haiti in 2010,18

Associated FacilityOﬃce for Training
and Education

The main role of our office is to run a short-courset h e c o u r s e. T h e c o u r s e is r u n by t h e s te e r i n gof tropical medicine, Training Cource of Tropicalcommittee, which consists of members from both

Medicine(TTM). This course aims to support medical

inside and outside the Institute of Tropical Medicine

and co-medical personnel who plan to work in the(NEKKEN).

tropics, by providing opportunities to learn a broad

During the thirteen weeks (April to June), therange of skills and knowledge relevant to practicing

full-time staff members of NEKKEN and a

medicine, implementing disease control programs andsubstantia l number of v isiting professors andconducting medical research in tropical and developing

lecturers provide lectures, laboratory practical andcountries. The course began in 1978 and since 2016, itfield work, in the fields of virology, bacteriology,

opens to the researchers who pursue technology for

protozoology, parasitology, medical entomology,

global health. Over 15 participants are accepted topathology, immunogenetics, epidemiology, humanattend the course in each year. As of the 43th course inecology, social medicine, clinical medicine and also

2020, 593 participants in total (including 207 medical

geography and culture in tropics. Participants who

doctors, and 376 co-medical such as veterinarian,successfully completed the course are awarded thenurses, communit y health nurses , midwives ,Diploma in Tropical Medicine.

pharmacists) from all over Japan have completed

Head and Professor

Koya Ariyoshi

Assistant Professor

Momoko Yamauchi

Admission ceremony in 2019

The University Hospital
Infectious Disease Ward

The clinical department of the Instituteo f Tr o p i c a l M e d i c i n e ( N E K K E N ) wa s
established in the Nagasaki Universit yHospital in 1967 and it has been locallyknown as “NEKKEN-NAIKA”. Currently itruns an out-patient clinic twice a week as
the Department of Infectious Diseases andprovides in - patients care in a generalinternal medicine ward with 16 beds and a
TB ward with 6 beds.
We a r e s p e c i a l i z e d i n i n f e c t i o u s
diseases; we treat patients with systemic
infectious diseases, including tropicalinfectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis,
pneumonia, and other febrile cases. We
receive approximately 500 - 600
consultation cases with suspected
infectious diseases a year from other

Professor

Koya Ariyoshi
Associate Professor

Konosuke Morimoto
Senior Lecturer

Hirotomo Yamanashi
Assistant Professor

Kensuke Takahashi
Assistant Professor

Mai Izumida

Assistant Professor

Kousuke Matsui

19Group photo of staff members

wa rds . We a l s o r u n a t rave l cli nic fo rinternational travelers.
For training and education, we provide
a number of lectures on infectious
diseases to undergraduate students andbed-side training programs for resident
physicians and infectious disease fellows.
We organize a clinical case conference inEnglish to make Japanese doctors
prepared to work abroad. Staff doctors
and resident doctors are regularly
dispatched to hospitals in the tropics suchas San Lazao Hospital, the Philippines andthe infectious disease ward in Bac Mai
Hospital, Vietnam, MRC hospital in The
Gambia, West Africa. That helps us toaccumulate our knowledge and experience
with clinical tropical medicine.

Publications
Our official publications are as follows;

長崎大学熱帯医学研究所

年報

1．Bulletin of Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine

平成30年度（2018）(In Japanese, published yearly since 1964; PDF files areavailable at our web page.)

長崎大学熱帯医学研究所

1

平和公園

2．Japanese Brochure (In Japanese, published yearly since

原爆資料館

1977; PDF files are available at our web page.)

2

Shinchi
Chinatown

Peace Park

AtomicBomb
Museum

3．English Brochure: INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL MEDICINENAGASAKI UNIVERSITY (This copy, published yearly since
1977; PDF files are available at our web page.)

3

4．Report of Nation-wide Cooperative Research Projects(Information on research activities and achievements as anation-wide

cooperative

research

centerfor

tropicalmedicine is compiled.)

420

for Hotarujaya
Main bus routefor Mogi

SohukujiSuwa Shrine
Civic Center
Suwa-jinja
Shrine-o- bashi
Civic Hall
Chu

Electric Tramway
JR Kyushu

Institute of Tropical
Medicine
University Hospital
School of
Dentistry

School ofMedicine
UrakamiCathedralfor Akasako

Igakubu-mae

Peace Park
Ohashi
Peace Park

Hamaguchimachi
AtomicBomb
MuseumSofukujiTempleShinchi
Chinatown
Ohato

Nagasaki Station

UrakamiStationIshibashi

NagasakiUrakamiHow to get the Institute○From JR Nagasaki Station▶Electric Tramway Nagasaki Station (bound for Akasako ) → Atomic Bomb Museum → about 10-minute walk
▶Nagasaki Bus Nagasaki Station (No.8 bound for Shimoohashi via School of Medicine ) → School of Medicine○From JR Urakami Station▶Electric Tramway Urakami Station (bound for Akasako ) → Atomic Bomb Museum → about 10-minute walk
○From Nagasaki Airport▶Kenei Bus Nagasaki Airport No.4 Bus Stop (For Nagasaki Sta . (via Showa-machi / via Showa-machi・Sumiyoshi ))→ Hamaguchi-machi → about 10-minute walkNagasaki University

Institute of Tropical Medicine
LocationURL

1-12-4 Sakamoto Nagasaki 852-8523
http://www.tm.nagasaki-u.ac.jp/nekken/