Investigation of the role of PGD2 in food allergy.

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17H01509
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Integrative animal science
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Murata Takahisa 東京大学, 大学院農学生命科学研究科(農学部), 准教授 (40422365)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 食物アレルギー / PGD2 / 肥満細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Food allergy that often occurs in young children are now a major social problem in Japan. However, basic research on its onset, progression, and remission has not progressed. The development of management and treatment methods for this disease has been delayed. In this study, we found (1) a bioactive lipid called prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) produced by mast cells regulates the absorption of antigen and the production of IgE antibody against antigen. (2) the produced PGD2 inhibit allergic inflammation. (3) PGD2 also affects immune tolerance for food antigen. Based on these observations, we could provide some insight for management of food allergy by pharmacological stimulation/inhibition of PGD2 production and its receptor signaling.

Free Research Field

アレルギー学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

小さな子供に多く発症する食物アレルギーは「食の安全・安心」を揺るがす社会問題になっている。しかし、その発症や進行メカニズムの解明は進んでおらず、有効な治療方法の開発も進んでいない。本研究では、アレルギー反応を引き起こす免疫細胞の１つである肥満細胞が大量に産生することが知られているPGD2という分子の働きに注目し、この分子が食物アレルギーの発症や進行、そして寛解に重要な働きを持つことを明らかにした。また、薬物を用いたPGD2の産生やそのシグナルの制御が、食物アレルギーの予防や治療に有用である可能性を示すことに成功した。