KEIO RESEARCHERS INFORMATION SYSTEM

Career 【 Display / hide 】

Career 【 Display / hide 】

• 1989.04

  -

  1998

  Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Research Chemist

• 1998.08

  -

  2001.03

  Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, Research Associate

• 2002.04

  -

  2003.02

  Nagoya University, Postdoctoral Researcher

• 2003.03

  -

  2006.05

  Osaka University, Assistant Professor

• 2006.05

  -

  2008.02

  Osaka University, Associate Professor (Koushi)

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Academic Background 【 Display / hide 】

Academic Background 【 Display / hide 】

• 1985.04

  -

  1989.03

  Osaka University, Facluty of science, Department of Chemistry

  University, Graduated

• 2002.03

  Osaka University, Ph. D.

  Graduate School, Other

Research Areas 【 Display / hide 】

Research Areas 【 Display / hide 】

• Nanotechnology/Materials / Bio chemistry

• Nanotechnology/Materials / Chemistry and chemical methodology of biomolecules

• Life Science / Bioorganic chemistry

Research Keywords 【 Display / hide 】

Research Keywords 【 Display / hide 】

• Bioorganic Chemistry, Glycochemistry, Chemistry for Natural Products, Chemical Biology

Research Themes 【 Display / hide 】

Research Themes 【 Display / hide 】

• Investigation of biofunctional system by utilizing organic chemistry, 

  1998.08

  -

  Present

Books 【 Display / hide 】

Books 【 Display / hide 】

• Glycoscience: A Global Roadmap 2025 from Japan

  Yukari Fujimoto, 2026.04

  , Accepted

• Chemical Biology of Carbohydrates, "Glycolipid-Recognizing C-Type Lectin Receptors: Ligand Structures and Molecular Probes for Biofunctional Analysis"

  Matsumaru, T., Fujimoto, Y., Springer, 2026.02

  Contact page： 203-225

• Glycoscience: Basic Science to Applications 2025

  Yukari Fujimoto, The Japan Consortium for Glycobiology and Glycotechnology, 2025

• 別冊・医学のあゆみ　ワクチン設計のサイエンス，「１１．有機合成化学研究からのワクチン，アジュバント設計―ワクチンアジュバント開発における有機合成化学の貢献と新たな取り組み」石井健　編

  井貫晋輔, 藤本ゆかり, 医歯薬出版株式会社, 2022

  Contact page： pp 60-65

• Glycoscience: Basic Science to Applications

  Yukari Fujimoto, The Japan Consortium for Glycobiology and Glycotechnology, 2018

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Papers 【 Display / hide 】

Papers 【 Display / hide 】

• Development of a Self-Adjuvanting Influenza Peptide–Glycolipid Conjugate Inducing CD8⁺ T-Cell Immunity

  Kikuchi, S., Ogura, H., Matsumaru, T., Ishido, S., Fujimoto, Y.

  ChemBioChem 27   e202500979 2026.02

  Research paper (scientific journal), Joint Work, Corresponding author, Accepted

  • Access to Document (DOI)

• Nitration of GlcCer and related complex lipids enhances CD1d bind-ing affinity and modulates immune responses via lipid antigen presentation to NKT cells

  Sueyoshi, K., Kawate-Horiuchi, N., Ueki, K., Nozawa, R., Matsumaru, T., Fujimoto, Y.

  ChemistryEurope 4   e202500311 2026

  Research paper (scientific journal), Joint Work, Corresponding author, Accepted

  • Access to Document (DOI)

• Live-cell imaging analysis of the intracellular behavior of C-type lectin receptor Mincle and its ligand using newly developed fluorescence-labeled molecular probes based on trehalose diester

  Matsumaru, T., Okubo, K., Takayama, J., Hirano, Y., Huo, Y.R., Toguchi, S., Yoshida, K., Fujii, A., Suzuki, T., Lin, C.C., Dohmae, N., Yamasaki, S., Fujimoto, Y.

  ACS Chem. Biol.  2026

  Research paper (scientific journal), Last author, Corresponding author, Accepted

  　View Summary

  in press

  • Access to Document (DOI)

• Highly Selective Cytokine Induction of Nitrated Lipid-Modified α-GalCer Derivatives Demonstrating High Binding Affinity to the Lipid Antigen Presenting Molecule CD1d

  Sueyoshi K., Kishi J., Inuki S., Matsumaru T., Fujimoto Y.

  Chemistry A European Journal 31 ( 6 ) e202403871 2025.01

  Research paper (scientific journal), Joint Work, Last author, Corresponding author, Accepted,  ISSN  09476539

  　View Summary

  Glycolipid antigens are presented by CD1d on antigen-presenting cells to T cell receptors (TCRs) of natural killer T (NKT) cells, leading to immune responses via cytokine induction. Although various lipid antigens have been found, there are only a limited number of glycolipid antigens having selective cytokine induction. In this study, we identified the glycolipids (α-GalCer nitro-type) that exhibit highly selective induction of Th2 and Th17 type cytokines, with very high binding affinity to CD1d, by introducing nature-inspired nitro-modified fatty acyl groups. The natural nitroalkene moiety of fatty acyl groups in the glycolipids effectively enhances the affinity to CD1d through presumed hydrogen-bonding and NO<inf>2</inf>–π interactions, leading to the distinctive function in cytokine induction and selectivity.

  • Access to Document (DOI)

• Phleum pratense pollen-derived di-galactosyldiacylglycerols promote pro-allergic responses in mice

  González Roldán N., Lunding L.P., Fujimoto Y., Düpow S., Schwudke D., Wegmann M., Duda K.A.

  Frontiers in Immunology 16   1532773 2025

  Research paper (scientific journal), Accepted

  　View Summary

  Introduction: Grass pollen triggers nearly 30% of bronchial allergic asthma cases. While most Q8 research focuses on pollen allergens, pollen lipids may also influence allergic reactions. Previous studies demonstrated that Timothy grass (TG, Phleum pratense) lipids, such as phytoprostanes, can activate immune cells, promoting pro-allergic responses. However, the role of water-insoluble pollen glycolipids in allergic airway inflammation remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to isolate and characterize glycolipids from TG pollen and evaluate their bioactivity in allergic airway inflammation. Methods: Lipids were extracted from the water-insoluble pollen fraction, separated by silica gel, and fractionated by HPLC. GC-MS, HR ESI-MS, and NMR confirmed the presence of di-galactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG). The biological activity of fractions containing DGDG (DGDG-3 and DGDG-4) and synthetic DGDG variants was tested in vitro in murine and human cell systems and in vivo in mice. Results: Fraction 4 induced strong proliferation of murine NKT cells and upregulated CD69 expression in human NKT cells. Synthetic DGDG variants (DGDG-1, DGDG-2, and DGDG-3) with defined acylation profiles stimulated robust NKT-cell proliferation, with DGDG-2 and DGDG-3 increasing IL-13 production, one of the key Th2 cytokines. In vivo, only these variants caused lung inflammation marked by eosinophil infiltration but did not increase airway resistance. Discussion: This study reveals for the first time the structure-dependent role of DGDG of TG pollen grains in immune cell recognition in the context of allergic inflammation. Our data may pave the way for therapies targeting lipid components in combination with protein allergens.

  • Access to Document (DOI)

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Reviews, Commentaries, etc. 【 Display / hide 】

Reviews, Commentaries, etc. 【 Display / hide 】

• Echoes of the "Central Research Institute" Era: Industry and Academia in Innovation

  Yukari Fujimoto

  Chemistry & Chemical Industry (The Chemical Society of Japan)   2025.12

  Single Work

• “生物有機化学の交差点 ― 人との出会いが研究を深める”

  藤本ゆかり

  ドラマチック有機合成化学　感動の瞬間100　有機合成化学協会編 ( 化学同人)     198 - 199 2023.07

• “脂質改変型CD1dリガンドの創製”

  井貫晋輔，藤本ゆかり

  月刊 ファインケミカル (シーエムシー出版)  51 ( 12 ) 12 - 17 2023

• “細菌由来糖ヘプトース誘導体の合成-新たに発見された自然免疫活性化機構”

  藤本ゆかり，井貫晋輔

  化学 (化学同人)  74 ( 1 ) 68 - 69 2019

• “第1部　教育・研究関連のしごと,　大学教員（実験系）”

  藤本ゆかり

  化学のしごと図鑑　近畿化学協会編 (化学同人 近畿化学協会編)     8 - 11 2019

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Presentations 【 Display / hide 】

Presentations 【 Display / hide 】

• Glycolipids; Synthesis and immunomodulatory functions as lipid antigens

  Yukari Fujimoto

  [International presentation]  The International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies 2021 (Pacifichem 2021) (Online) , 

  2021.12

  , 

  Oral presentation (invited, special)

• Synthesis and immunomodulatory activities of microbial glycoconjugates containing phosphatidyl inositol

  Yukari Fujimoto

  [International presentation]  The International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies 2021 (Pacifichem 2021) (Online) , 

  2021.12

  , 

  Oral presentation (invited, special)

• Glycoconjugates as immune modulators

  Yukari Fujimoto

  [International presentation]  16th meeting of the International Endotoxin and innate immunity society/The 7th International Symposium on Middle Molecular Strategy (ISMMS-7) (Kobe/ Online) , 

  2021.10

  , 

  Oral presentation (invited, special)

• Glycoconjugates as immune modulators

  Yukari Fujimoto

  [International presentation]  Asian Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology Webinar (Online) , 

  2021.09

  , 

  Oral presentation (invited, special)

• Immunomodulatory glycolipids: synthesis and modulation of cytokine-biasing responses

  Yukari Fujimoto

  [International presentation]  American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring 2021 (Online) , 

  2021.04

  , 

  Oral presentation (invited, special)

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Research Projects of Competitive Funds, etc. 【 Display / hide 】

Research Projects of Competitive Funds, etc. 【 Display / hide 】

• HLAアレルに基づいたbona fide SARS-CoV-2 特異的CTLの同定とその応用

  2024.04

  -

  2027.03

  Research grant, Coinvestigator(s)

• 免疫調節性複合脂質の合成・機能の理解と展開

  2021.04

  -

  2026.03

  MEXT,JSPS, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A) , Principal investigator

• ネオ・セルフ脂質抗原分子ライブラリ構築と免疫調節機能解析

  2019.04

  -

  2021.03

  MEXT,JSPS, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas, Principal investigator

• 免疫機構の複合的な機能制御を可能とする中分子化合物の創製

  2018.04

  -

  2020.03

  MEXT,JSPS, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas, Principal investigator

• 革新的中分子創薬技術の開発／先端的な中分子創薬関連技術の開発

  2018

  -

  2021.03

  Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), 次世代治療・診断実現のための創薬基盤技術開発事業, Yukari Fujimoto, No Setting

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Intellectual Property Rights, etc. 【 Display / hide 】

Intellectual Property Rights, etc. 【 Display / hide 】

• 化合物、化合物の塩、神経機能調節物質、神経機能調節物質の評価方法、化合物の製造方法、及び化合物の塩の製造方法

  Date applied： 特願2020-535822  2019.08 

  Patent, Joint

• 化合物又はその塩、ナチュラルキラーT細胞活性化剤、及び医薬組成物

  Date applied： PCT/JP2017/008381  2017 

  Patent, Joint

• 化合物又はその塩、ナチュラルキラーT細胞活性化剤、及び医薬組成物

  Date applied： 特願2016- 57416  2016.03 

  Patent, Joint

• トール様受容体４活性化作用を有するフニクロシン誘導体及びその用途

  Date applied： 特願2014-201593  2014 

  Date issued： 特許番号6359409号  2018

  Patent, Joint

• Novel immunostimulatory molecules

  Date applied： PCT/EP2015/072292  2015 

  Patent, Joint

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Awards 【 Display / hide 】

Awards 【 Display / hide 】

• 有機合成化学協会企業冠賞

  2021.02

  Type of Award： Award from Japanese society, conference, symposium, etc.

• Nagase Foundation Award

  2016.04

• Osaka University Presidential Awards for Achievement

  2013.08, Osaka University

• The Alois Nowotny Award

  2012.10, International Endotoxin & Innate Immunity Society

• BCSJ award（Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Japan award）

  2008.07, The Chemical Society of Japan

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Courses Taught 【 Display / hide 】

Courses Taught 【 Display / hide 】

• SEMINAR IN CHEMISTRY

  2025

• ORGANIC SYNTHESIS DESIGN (ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 3)

  2025

• NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY (BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY 1)

  2025

• LABORATORIES IN CHEMISTRY 2

  2025

• INDEPENDENT STUDY ON FUNDAMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

  2025

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Memberships in Academic Societies 【 Display / hide 】

Memberships in Academic Societies 【 Display / hide 】

• The Chemical Society of Japan

  　

• The Society of Synthetic Organic Chemistry

  　

• The Japanese Society of Carbohydrate Research

  　

• Japanese Society for Chemical Biology

  　

• American Chemical Society

  　

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Committee Experiences 【 Display / hide 】

Committee Experiences 【 Display / hide 】

• 2026.02

  -

  Present

  Director, The Society of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Japan

• 2021.07

  -

  Present

  Director, The Japanese Society of Carbohydrate Research

• 2022.04

  -

  Present

  糖鎖生命科学連携ネットワーク型拠点（J-GlycoNet） コラボレイティブフェロー

• 2025.04

  -

  Present

  Vice Chair, Division of Biofunctional Chemistry, The Chemical Society of Japan

• 2024.04

  -

  Present

  有機化学 ディビジョン 幹事, 公益社団法人 日本化学会

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