The role of Gas6/Axl signal in the immune response associated with RSV infection

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16H06246
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Respiratory organ internal medicine
• Research Institution: National Institute of Infectious Diseases
• Principal Investigator: Shibata Takehiko 国立感染症研究所, 免疫部, 主任研究官 (00739196)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: Axl / RSV / タイプ2免疫 / ワクチン / Gas6

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is currently not available. In this study, we examined the induction mechanism of allergic responses after vaccination with RSV and type 2 immune response with RSV infection. First, it was revealed that growth arrest specific 6 produced by formalin fixed RSV induces type 2 immune response (allergic airway inflammation) via its receptor Axl. We also found that Axl inhibitor shift the immune response from type 2 to 1 and can be an adjuvant and also useful for the elimination of RSV.

Free Research Field

感染免疫学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の成果は、安全性と有効性を担保した新しいrespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) ワクチン接種方法となる可能性がある。また、Axlシグナル阻害により免疫応答をシフトさせるという新しい概念は、抗ウイルス薬の開発につながる可能性がある。