Affiliation: Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University

Professor Tetsuya Kodama is a biomedical engineer and physician-scientist internationally recognized for his work in lymphatic biology and translational medicine. He trained in physical chemistry at Oxford University, medical physics at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital Trust, and fluid science at Tohoku University, before advancing his research at Harvard Medical School and Imperial College London. He later played a leading role in establishing the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering at Tohoku University.

His laboratory investigates the lymphatic system, focusing on lymph node microenvironments and vascular interactions. The group has pioneered approaches in in vivo and intravital imaging, nanomedicine, and lymphatic-targeted drug delivery. Among their key innovations is the patented Lymphatic Drug Delivery System (LDDS), now in clinical evaluation for cancer and immune-related therapies. His lab also maintains rare recombinant mouse strains carrying collagen-related autoimmune disease genes, enabling studies on immune checkpoint inhibitors and adverse events. As Guest Editor, Professor Kodama contributes deep expertise in lymphatic methodologies and translational applications.