Division of Immunology

Our division specializes in immune deficiencies caused by immune dysfunction or dysregula tion, such as primary immunodeficiency, autoinflammatory diseases, and autoimmune diseases. We manage susceptible patients and develop innovative medical approaches for treatment.

Medical services

Specialists in immunology and rheumatology assess patients with immune deficiencies and provide a comprehensive diagnosis and appropriate therapy in consultation with the NCCHD’s research institute.

Diagnosis and treatment policy

We administer general treatments to patients based on medical evidence. For patients with a more severe phenotype, we also offer advanced medicine such as gene therapy, enzyme replacement therapy, cytokine therapy, or antiimmune therapy.

Specialties

Immunologic assessments

Flow cytometric analysis, cell function assay, genetic analysis, and measurement of enzyme activity are conducted for diagnosis and assessment of disease severity.

Treatment

Prophylactic therapy using antibiotics, antifungal drugs, immunoglobulin, PEG-ADA, or interferon gamma is administered to patients with immunodeficiencies depending on their clinical symptoms. Immunomodulation therapy with immunosuppressive drugs and biological agents is also used to treat autoinflammatory syndrome and autoimmune disorders.

Clinical trial and research

To develop a safe and effective medical approach for patients with immunodeficiencies, we have devised clinical protocols for hospital staff and published the data obtained from protocols in scientific journals.

Target diseases

• Chronic granulomatous disease and phagocyte disorders
• Severe combined immunodeficiency
• Antibody deficiencies
• Diseases of immune dysregulation

Advanced/specialized treatments

Gene therapy

Since 2004 our division has been involved in the development of gene therapy for X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), an ongoing project conducted in collaboration with the National Institute of Health in the US.