Research Themes

Our department conducts basic and clinical research towards elucidating the onset and development of molecular mechanisms and immune abnormalities in collagen and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis syndrome, systemic scleroderma, and dermatomyositis. We also focus on the recently topical relationship between immune aging and environmental factors, and on the relationship with organ damage (especially in the renal, neurological, and vascular systems), and are aiming to address the diversity of pathological conditions and personalized medicine.

Content

1.  Basic and clinical research on the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.

2. Elucidation of pathomechanisms and the search for biomarkers through analysis of metalloproteinases and cytokines.

3. Diagnostic support research for neuropsychiatric lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) using MRI images and AI/topological data analysis.

4. A nationwide survey study on the actual medical treatment of patients with collagen disease during pregnancy and lactation and the safety of drug therapy.

5. A national registry study of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV)

6. A cohort study on the development and utilization of a national multicenter registry of SLE (LUNA) and a clinical specimen bank.