Molecular mechanisms for B cell fate decision through metabolic reprogramming

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17H05072
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Immunology
• Research Institution: Tokyo University of Science
• Principal Investigator: Haniuda Kei 東京理科大学, 研究推進機構生命医科学研究所, 講師 (40734918)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: 胚中心 / プラズマ細胞 / 代謝プログラム / 抗体産生 / B細胞 / 免疫記憶 / 細胞内代謝 / 分化制御

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Upon antigen-recognition, activated B cells differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells or germinal center (GC) B cells, precursors of memory B cells with high affinity for antigen, both of which play an important role in protective immunity against bacterial and viral infection. However, it has been unclear what factors determine B cell fate and induce plasma cell or GC B cell differentiation. In this study, we demonstrated that cellular metabolic reprogramming can determine B cell fate and revealed the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Free Research Field

免疫学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、液性免疫を担うB細胞の分化運命は細胞内の代謝リプログラミングによって決定されるという新規の分化制御機構を明らかにした。この成果は、B細胞応答を人為的にコントロールする手段および、効果的なワクチン療法の開発に繋がる重要な知識基盤になると思われる。