Research on pathogenic immune cells associated with the gut-brain axis in neuroinflammation

• Project/Area Number: 25K10802
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 52020:Neurology-related
• Research Institution: National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
• Principal Investigator: 木村 敦子 国立研究開発法人国立精神・神経医療研究センター, 神経研究所 免疫研究部, 研究員 (60569143)
• Project Period (FY): 2025-04-01 – 2028-03-31
• Project Status: Granted (Fiscal Year 2025)
• Budget Amount: ¥4,550,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,500,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,050,000); Fiscal Year 2027: ¥1,430,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,100,000、Indirect Cost: ¥330,000); Fiscal Year 2026: ¥1,430,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,100,000、Indirect Cost: ¥330,000); Fiscal Year 2025: ¥1,690,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,300,000、Indirect Cost: ¥390,000)
• Keywords: multiple sclerosis / NKT cells / neuroinflammation

Outline of Research at the Start

Recent research indicates that the gut-brain axis (communication between CNS, intestines and microbiota) plays an important role in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). However, much remains unknown in this complex field. We have previously reported a therapeutic potential of targeting a subset of NKT cells, unconventional T cells that share properties of both T cells and NK cells. In this research, I aim to identify novel pathogenic immune cell populations potentially associated with the gut-brain axis in MS, using mouse models with a particular focus on NKT cells.