2016 Joint Usage and Research Report
Title of Research Project

Identification and characterization of novel coding andnon‐coding genes regulating the innate immunity against
virus infection and cancer.

Institution
ApplicantIndian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER),
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

Job title

Dr. (Ph.D), Associate Professorand name
Visiting

Name

Professor Akinori Takaoka

researcher
Purpose of the Research Project

Host immune response is essential to defend invading pathogen(approx. 250 words)(bacteria, viruses, etc) and neoplastic growth induced within thehost by abrupt deregulation of normal cells. The immune
responses are the result of a complex network of sensing via
sensors and cascade of molecular signaling involving, adaptors,kinases and transcription factors which are tightly regulated attranscriptional,

post‐transcriptional,translational

andpost‐translational levels. We have predicted some novel
host/viral factors through bioinformatic approaches involved inregulation of innate immune sensors dependent signaling whichplays a pivotal role in the regulation of innate immune signaling
pathway and hence hypothesized to be critically involved inpathogen clearance and elimination or induction of transformed
host cells. Our prediction was further strengthened by series ofex vivo and in-vitro experiments and showed that this novel
host/viral factors are critical for regulation innate immunity andplay a key role in disease outcome.
Development of the Research

Mr. Ashish Kumar (the Ph.D. Student) and I visited Prof.

Project and Results

Akinori(approx.. 850 words)

Immunology Laboratory, IGM, Hokkaido University from

Takaokalaboratory,

Signaling

inCancerandFebruary 19, 2017, to February 28, 2017. We had performed
several in vivo experiments with a group member of Prof.
Takaoka. We have learned several techniques for genemanipulation in various cell lines. We are still doing several invivo experiments to find out more about identified molecules
which paly a key role in innate immunity against microbial
infection. We also had series of presentation and discussions
with Prof. Takaoka and his group members for future
fundamental research as well as some aspect of teaching. Ourvisit was highly fruitful regarding learning and, I believe thatour visit is an important cornerstone for our highly productive
future research.
Additionally, we work on HCMV-induced oncogenesis, and thiswork is under revision in Cell Death & Diseases.
At last but not least, we also participated in and highly
entertaining event of teaching immunology to Blueberry English
Preschool kids known as “Mamolunngers, Protecting our bodyagainst bacchies.”
Overall our visit not only excels the top fundamental research incancer and immunology but also fueled the enthusiasm forimmunology to pre-school kids.
Publication【Conference, symposium, workshop etc.】*Enter the names of conferenceor journal and its vol. No. whereNot applicable

the above work was presented.
【Journals】
Essential role of HCMV deubiquitinase in oncogenesis bytargeting anti-viral innate immune signaling pathways, Miss.
Puja Kumari , Miss Athira N , Miss Irene Saha , Dr. Prafulla
Tailor , Prof. Akinori Takaoka , Dr. Sathish Narayanan, Dr.
Himanshu Kumar, Cell Death & Disease (Under revision)