Immune responses to infection not only eliminate pathogens but also establish long-lasting protective defenses in infected tissues. However, some pathogens remain in the body despite a fully functional immune system, establishing long-term latent or persistent infections. How does the immune system control pathogens in infected tissues, and why do some pathogens remain in the body?

Our laboratory investigates how immune memory is established in mucosal and neural tissues and how it contributes to protection against infection. We also seek to understand the mechanisms underlying pathogen latency, persistence, and reactivation, as well as the host defense mechanisms that regulate these processes. Furthermore, we explore how latent and persistent infections affect the development and progression of chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer, with the goal of developing new strategies for prevention and treatment.