During the 17th AAAP Congress Asian Australasian Animal Production held at Kyushu Sangyo University from August 22 to 25, 2016 in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, first-year master's student Takuma Okajima (Department of Agriclture) of Graduate School of Science and Technology was selected to receive the Young Scientists Award and JSAS Excellent Presentation Award.



Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are well-known as Interleukin-33 (IL-33) receptors that worsen the effects of allergies. Okajima et al have identified oligonucleotide (single strand-DNA) from Streptococcus thermophilus that strongly induces IL-33, and discovered a mechanism to increase amounts of ILC2. In the future, they hope to use the oligonucleotide to build new animal models and develop materials that can reduce allergy risk. This research topic was selected as a focus session topic following a presentation abstract proceedings inspection in advance of the event. Okajima was chosen from among focus session presenters for recognition through the AAAP Young Scientists Award, which is given to outstanding young researchers. Furthermore, following deliberations and a selection process in regard to presentations, he was also honored with the JSAS Excellent Presentation Award.

Takuma OKAJIMA, M1