The role of Opn-expressing CD8 T cells in the intestine

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K19075
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Experimental pathology
• Research Institution: Tohoku University (2016); Kyoto University (2015)
• Principal Investigator: Ito Koyu 東北大学, 加齢医学研究所, 助教 (90609497)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: オステオポンチン / 腸内細菌叢 / 腸管上皮内リンパ球

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, using Opn-EGFP knock-in (KI) mice we found that CD8α+ T cells in the intestinal tissues, including Peyer’s patch, lamina propria and epithelium, express Opn under steady state conditions. Among these cell, intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) CD8 T cells shows highest expression of Opn, and majority of these cells are TCRγδ cells. Opn knockout (KO) mice had altered fecal microflora concordant with a reduction of TCRγδ+ IELs. Consistent with this result, both treatment with anti-Opn blocking antibody and deficiency of Opn resulted in decreased survival of TCRγδ+ and TCRαβ+ IELs. This data suggests that a possibility that Opn may function as a survival factor for IELs in the intestinal tissue.

Free Research Field

免疫学