Elucidation of T-independent IgA class switch machinery

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17H04089
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Immunology
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: Hase Koji 慶應義塾大学, 薬学部(芝共立), 教授 (20359714)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: IgA抗体 / 腸内細菌 / 酪酸

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Secretory immunoglobulin A, the most abundant antibody isotype in the body, maintains a mutual relationship with commensal bacteria and acts as a primary barrier at the mucosal surface. Colonization by commensal bacteria induces an IgA response, at least partly through a T-cell-independent process. However, the mechanism underlying the commensal-bacteria-induced T-cell-independent IgA response has yet to be fully clarified. Here, we show that commensal-bacteria-derived butyrate promotes T-cell-independent IgA class switching recombination (CSR) in the mouse colon.

Free Research Field

免疫学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

近年、腸内共生バランス失調（ディスバイオーシス）が炎症性腸疾患、自己免疫性疾患、動脈硬化、がん、糖尿病、肝硬変などの発症と関連するとの報告が相次いでいる。分泌型IgAは腸内細菌のバランス制御にも関わっており、分泌型IgAの質と量を適切に保つことは、ディスバイオーシスの防止に重要である。よって、本研究で行った分泌型IgA抗体の産生機構の解明は、腸内環境の改善を標的とした新たな医療の発展に繋がるものと期待できる。