Elucidation of unknown function of mast cells in atopic dermatitis associated with food allergy

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K09784
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Dermatology
• Research Institution: Juntendo University
• Principal Investigator: NAKANO Nobuhiro 順天堂大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (30420839)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 食物アレルギー / マウスモデル / マスト細胞 / Notchシグナル / 転写調節因子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Intestinal mast cells are a major effector cells in food allergy. However, the functions and differentiation process of intestinal mast cells are largely unknown.
In this study, we found that the response of mast cells to TGF-β, which is an inducer of intestinal mast cell differentiation, is mediated by the transcription factor EHF. In addition, we showed that the signaling mediated by Notch receptors contributes to the differentiation of intestinal mast cells. Moreover, the study using a mouse model of food allergy demonstrated that symptoms associated with food allergy are alleviated by administration of a Notch signaling inhibitor to the mice.

Free Research Field

アレルギー学