Identification of human lipopeptide-presenting molecules: a new host defense mechanism against viral infections

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K15517
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Infectious disease medicine
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: SUGITA Masahiko 京都大学, ウイルス・再生医科学研究所, 教授 (80333532)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: ウイルス / 生体防御

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The principal investigator has discovered an immune pathway directed against viral lipopeptides by the use of the monkey AIDS model, resulting in the identification of one of the key molecules involved in this new host defense mechanism. In this study, the another key molecule in monkeys was identified, and its fine structure as well as its biological properties were determined. Based on these monkey studies, human molecules are beginning to be identified that may function critically in the immune recognition of viral lipopeptides. Furthermore, a transgenic mouse technology has been established that will facilitate the analysis of the human molecules.

Free Research Field

感染免疫