Development of efficient induction method of human regulatory B cells

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K15217
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: General medical chemistry
• Research Institution: Kyushu University (2017-2018); Osaka University (2016)
• Principal Investigator: Baba Yoshihiro 九州大学, 生体防御医学研究所, 教授 (20415269)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 制御生B細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In recent years, the presence of IL-10 producing B cells (regulatory B cells) that suppress immune diseases and inflammation has been shown. However, "the nature of human regulatory B cells and their differentiation process" are still unknown. To understand these questions, in this study, we examined the gene expression of human regulatory B cells and clarified the gene expression pattern characteristic of this subset. In addition, we identified the precursor cells of human regulatory B cells. We also developed a culture method that can amplify human regulatory B cells efficiently.

Free Research Field

免疫学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

従来、B 細胞は自己免疫や炎症を悪化させる要因としてのみ捉えられてきたが、必ずしもそう ではなく、負の制御を行うことが認知されつつある。本研究は、制御性B細胞の特徴づけは本分野に新機軸を与える研究になることが期待される。さらに、ヒト制御性B細胞の実体解明により、新たな疾患診断法への発展が期待される。また、ヒト制御性B細胞の誘導技術は将来の輸注療法や疾患病態の相関を検証する手段を提供すると予想され、免疫や炎症疾患の理解や新しい治療戦略として大きな可能性をもちと思われる。