A basic research aimed at realizing the treatment of inflammatory diseases using engineered Treg cells

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K21751
• Research Category: Fund for the Promotion of Joint International Research (Home-Returning Researcher Development Research)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Collagenous pathology/Allergology
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Chinen Takatoshi 九州大学, 医学研究院, 講師 (80432912)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 免疫学 / 制御性T細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Regulatory T cells (Treg) function as modulators of immune responses. The basic mechanism of immunosuppression by these cells has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we focused on antigenic receptors on regulatory T cells to elucidate the role of these receptors. We also generated genetically engineered regulatory T cells by artificially modifying the receptor and examined whether they could be used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Free Research Field

免疫学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

炎症の行き過ぎに起因する様々な難治性疾患に対する新規治療法の一つとして、制御性T細胞の持つこの抑制能を活用する事が期待されているが、それを実現する為には、この細胞による免疫抑制の基本的な動作メカニズムを詳細に解明する必要がある。本研究では、制御性T細胞上に発現する抗原受容体の役割を解明すべく研究を行った。制御性T細胞を用いた炎症性疾患治療を実現するにあたり不可欠な有用な知見が得られた。