Finding of bovine lymphatic genital ring -Efficacy as mucosal vaccine administration site-

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19H03113
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 42020:Veterinary medical science-related
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: Kon Yasuhiro 北海道大学, 獣医学研究院, 教授 (10178402)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 市居 修 北海道大学, 獣医学研究院, 准教授 (60547769) ; 中村 鉄平 北海道大学, 獣医学研究院, 准教授 (80786773) ; エレワ ヤセル 北海道大学, 獣医学研究院, 助教 (30782221)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: リンパ陰部輪 / 粘膜関連リンパ組織

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues are present in the nasopharynx, intestinal tract, and trachea, and are deeply involved in activating mucosal immunity against foreign substances, including pathogens, as well as in regulating systemic immune responses. We have discovered lymphoid tissue surrounding the bovine vulvar and vaginal vestibular mucosa in the form of a ring. We call this "lymphatic genital ring" after the "lymphatic pharyngeal ring of Waldeyer. The morphology, distribution, characteristics of various immune cells, capsular epithelium, and species differences were clarified, and the differences and similarities with the lymphatic pharyngeal ring were elucidated. Furthermore, we clarified the effect of administration of foreign substances to the lymphatic genital ring on systemic immune activation, and demonstrated its effectiveness as a site for mucosal vaccine administration.

Free Research Field

獣医解剖学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

粘膜関連リンパ組織(MALT)は粘膜免疫を誘導する部位として知られるものの、尿生殖器に係るMALTの報告は少なく、我々の研究グループではその存在を発見するところから、研究を企図した。結果、腎臓では腎盤陥凹周囲に散在性リンパ組織を発見し、 UTALSと命名した。生殖器におけるそれは、通常の実験動物である齧歯類での発見が難しく、大動物での検索を続けたところ、ウシにおいて外陰部・膣前庭領域にリンパ組織(GOALT)を発見し、その存在様式が管を囲むリング状であったことから、「ワルダイエルのリンパ咽頭輪」に因み「リンパ陰部輪(lymphatic genital ring)」と名付けた。