Foundational Study on Immunological Remission Therapy Targeting Treg-Resistant T Cells

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K16159
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 54020:Connective tissue disease and allergy-related
• Research Institution: Nagoya City University
• Principal Investigator: Maeda Shinji 名古屋市立大学, 医薬学総合研究院(医学), 講師 (80381854)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 多機能性T細胞 / IL-2 / 自己免疫疾患 / ヒト化マウス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we aimed to reconstruct autoimmune tolerance and achieve drug-free remission in rheumatic and collagen diseases. Using a humanized mouse model treated with IL-2 and IL-2 antibody complex, we analyzed in detail the interaction and balance between polyfunctional T cells (PFC-T cells) and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Notably, we confirmed that sustained stimulation by IL-2 and the regulation of T cell receptor antigen signals play a crucial role in the balance between inflammation suppression and immune regulation. These findings contribute to the identification of new therapeutic targets for the fundamental treatment of autoimmune diseases and provide a foundation for future clinical applications.

Free Research Field

臨床免疫学　リウマチ学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、自己免疫疾患治療の新たな可能性を開拓しました。特に、炎症性多機能性T細胞の調節に焦点を当てることで、ドラッグフリー寛解の達成へとつながる治療戦略の基盤になる成果です。将来的に自己免疫疾患患者の治療の向上に寄与するだけでなく、治療コストの削減にも繋がりうる、基礎研究と臨床応用の架け橋としての役割も果たしています。