Elucidation of the TRP-TLR interaction in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18KK0434
• Research Category: Fund for the Promotion of Joint International Research (Fostering Joint International Research (A))
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Periodontology
• Research Institution: Niigata University
• Principal Investigator: Takahashi Naoki 新潟大学, 医歯学系, 准教授 (80722842)
• Project Period (FY): 2019 – 2023
• Keywords: TRP channel / 歯周炎 / Toll-ike receptor / 歯肉上皮細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins, known as environmental sensors, are widely expressed in organs and tissues throughout the body and are known to be associated with various inflammatory diseases. In this project, we investigated the effects of TRP proteins on innate immune responses mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLRs). The results showed that TRPV1 is expressed in human periodontal tissues, and that TRPV1 is decreased in periodontitis. We also confirmed that TRPV1 expression was regulated by TLR4 stimulation by LPS.

Free Research Field

歯周病学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

TLR4活性化がTRPV1発現を制御する知見から、TLR-TRP相互作用の可能性が示唆された。自然免疫応答がトリガーとなる様々な炎症性疾患における新たな病因メカニズムの提案につながるという学術的意義を有する。またTLRおよびTRPをターゲットとして、歯周炎をはじめとする様々な炎症性疾患の予防法や治療法の開発につながる点において、社会的意義を有する。