Development of countermeasures against infection with the human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1) and the treatment of associated diseases
Faculty of Medicine School of Health Sciences
Department of Nursing
Reproductive Health Care
Nursing
Professor
NEROME Yasuhito
Kagoshima University Hospital
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Professor
KOBAYASHI Hiroaki
Kagoshima University Hospital
Neurology
Professor
TAKASHIMA Hiroshi
Kagoshima University Hospital
Hematology and Collagen Medicine
Professor
ISHITSUKA Kenji
Background and objectives of activities
Kagoshima Prefecture is one of the world's largest human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1) endemic areas, and the number of people infected with HTLV-1 has been steadily decreasing due to lifestyle changes and the implementation of measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus in Kagoshima since the 1990s, ahead of other parts of the country. It is expected that the virus will be virtually eliminated from Japan in the 22nd century by continuing to implement measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus. On the other hand, there are still approximately 800,000 people in Japan and more than 10 million infected people worldwide. As a community-based university, we will promote measures against mother-to-child transmission and develop treatments for adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM), which are representative HTLV-1-related diseases.
Summary of Activities
For measures against mother-to-child transmission of HTLV-1, we will accurately identify HTLV-1-infected patients at antenatal checkups, share accurate knowledge and provide guidance on breastfeeding abstinence, etc., and educate society so as not to create prejudice, etc., due to false knowledge.
Conduct exploratory research on therapeutic agents for ATL and HAM, nationwide multicenter clinical trials, and physician-led clinical trials to develop novel therapies.
Expected Benefits
Contribute to the reduction of HTLV-1 infection and improvement of ATL and HAM outcomes.