Regulation of development and function of unconventional T cells and innate lymphoid cells.

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K08529
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Immunology
• Research Institution: Shinshu University
• Principal Investigator: Taki Shinsuke 信州大学, 学術研究院医学系, 教授 (50262027)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): SANJO Hideki 信州大学, 学術研究院医学系, 准教授 (50391967)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 粘膜免疫 / リンパ球 / 遺伝子発現 / 自然免疫 / 造血

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We revealed gene regulatory mechanisms for the development of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) expressing CD8alpha homodimers and newly discovered innate lymphoid cells (ILC), which play crucial roles in the homeostasis in the gut and are gathering much interests as to how they are involved in the pathogenesis of gastroenterological disorders. Thus, we showed that the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 2 (IRF-2) was required for functional maturation of thymic precursors for IELs and for the generation of common progenitors in the bone marrow for ILC1, ILC2 and ILC3 but not lymphoid tissue inducer-like cells. To further clarify how IRF-2 functions in these processes will provide us with deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the establishment of mucosal immune system.

Free Research Field

免疫学