Analysis of regulatory mechanisms of the surface expression of latent TGF-beta on monocytes and differential monocyte functions caused by the ratio of latent TGF-beta expression

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K19105
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Experimental pathology
• Research Institution: Shiga University of Medical Science
• Principal Investigator: Misako Nakayama 滋賀医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (00510306)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: TGF-beta / 単球 / インフルエンザウイルスワクチン / サル / LAP

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, monkeys with high or low expression of TGF-beta (latency-associated peptide: LAP) on monocytes were selected (3 monkeys in each group) and vaccinated, followed by a challenge infection with a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus five years after vaccination. In the LAP low group, vaccine antigen-specific antibody responses were stronger and virus titers in the tracheal swab were lower, compared to those in the LAP high group. These results suggested that individuals with lower expression of LAP on monocytes may have higher induction of protective immunity after vaccination.

Free Research Field

基礎病理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

増殖因子の一つであるTGF-betaは先天性および適応性免疫を抑制することで知られるが、潜在型TGF-beta(LAP)の細胞表面における発現により免疫反応がどのように調節されているのかは不明な点が多い。
本研究では、試験管内での単球表面におけるLAPの発現が非常に不安定であったことから、生体内での実験が必須と考えられた。ヒトに最も近い動物モデルであるサルを用いたことで、ヒト生体内の現象が再現できた可能性が高いと考えられる。