Characterization of immuno-suppressive NKT cells in mouse pancreatic cancer model

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K21269
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Immunology; Gastroenterology
• Research Institution: Yokohama City University
• Principal Investigator: KATO Shingo 横浜市立大学, 附属病院, 助教 (20622583)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: Natural Killer T 細胞 / 膵癌

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Functional analysis of tumor immunosuppressive Natural Killer T (NKT) cells in pancreatic cancer mouse model was performed. NKT cells are unique T cell subset that recognizes lipid antigens and bridge the innate immune system and the acquired immune system. There are two subsets of NKT cells, type I NKT cells that enhance tumor immunity and type II NKT cells that suppress tumor immunity. Analysis was carried out using mouse pancreatic cancer cell line orthotopic transplant model and knockout mouse of NKT cell. As a result, proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell line was promoted in knockout mice of NKT cells, suggesting that NKT cells may be involved in antitumor immunity. From now on, we analyze the detailed mechanism of this phenomenon.

Free Research Field

腫瘍免疫