• Division of Microbiology (Kanda lab), Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University

Our research focuses on human herpesviruses, especially Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus (CMV). Although herpesviruses are ubiquitous and infect most healthy adults, they sometimes cause serious diseases such as B cell lymphomas, epithelial cancers (EBV), and hearing loss due to congenital infection (CMV). However, the details of the pathogenesis of these diseases are still unknown, and no effective preventive or therapeutic protocols have been established. We utilize virology, molecular and cellular biology to investigate various aspects of herpesviruses’ functions. Our goal is to elucidate the pathogenesis of herpesvirus-associated diseases.

(From left) Hiroshi Kitamura, Teru Kanda, Kazufumi Ikuta, in the laboratory.