Akiko Iwasaki, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Immunobiology

General Interests

The mucosal surfaces represent major sites of entry for numerous infectious agents. Consequently, the vast mucosal surfaces are intricately lined with cells and lymphoid organs specialized in providing protective antibody and cellular immunity. One of the most fundamental issues in this field concerns how antigens in the mucosa are recognized, taken up, processed, and presented by antigen presenting cells. Our laboratory's goal is to understand how immunity is initiated and maintained at the mucosal surfaces, particularly by the dendritic cells (DCs), through natural portals of entry for pathogens that are of significant health concerns in the world. Our ultimate goal is to utilize the knowledge we gain through these areas of research in the rational design of effective vaccines or microbicides for the prevention of transmission of viral and bacterial pathogens.

Contact

Campus Address:	300 Cedar Street TAC S-655B
Mailing Address:	Yale University School of Medicine PO BOX 208011 New Haven, CT 06520-8011
Phone:	(203) 785-2919
Fax:	(203) 785-4972
E-mail:	Akiko.Iwasaki@yale.edu
Web site:	http://info.med.yale.edu/immuno/iwasaki