The research of characterization and functional analysis of novel immune cells in tumor immune escape mechanisms

• Project/Area Number: 25K10525
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 50020:Tumor diagnostics and therapeutics-related
• Research Institution: National Center for Child Health and Development
• Principal Investigator: Hu Xin 国立研究開発法人国立成育医療研究センター, 移植免疫研究室, (非)研究員 (40868965)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 梨井 康 国立研究開発法人国立成育医療研究センター, 移植免疫研究室, 室長 (60321890) ; 藤野 真之 国立健康危機管理研究機構, 安全管理研究センター, 主任研究官 (50392329)
• Project Period (FY): 2025-04-01 – 2028-03-31
• Project Status: Granted (Fiscal Year 2025)
• Budget Amount: ¥4,420,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,400,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,020,000); Fiscal Year 2027: ¥1,430,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,100,000、Indirect Cost: ¥330,000); Fiscal Year 2026: ¥1,170,000 (Direct Cost: ¥900,000、Indirect Cost: ¥270,000); Fiscal Year 2025: ¥1,820,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,400,000、Indirect Cost: ¥420,000)
• Keywords: CD86 / CD8 T cell

Outline of Research at the Start

The tumor microenvironment (TME) contains immunosuppressive cells that promote tumor progression and hinder immunotherapy. We identified a unique CD86CD8; T cell subset with features of exhaustion, immunosuppression, and regulatory T cell-like transcriptional profiles. This study investigates their distribution, function, and suppressive mechanisms in tumors and spleens. In vivo and in vitro experiments will assess their role in immune regulation and potential as novel targets for cancer immunotherapy.