A research aiming at developing a new antitumor drug targeting B4 immune checkpoint system

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K07704
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 50020:Tumor diagnostics and therapeutics-related
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Endo Shota 東北大学, 加齢医学研究所, 講師 (70466580)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 免疫チェックポイント阻害薬 / がん

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aims to improve the QOL of patients who have not obtained therapeutic effects with existing immune checkpoint inhibitors. To achieve this goal, we conducted basic research with the goal of developing a novel immune checkpoint inhibitor that targets the B4-B4L1 immune checkpoint of which we have discovered recently. As a result, we found that B4-deficient mice (gp49B-/- mice) shows augmented antitumor activity against B4L1-positive Lewis lung cancer cells. Moreover, when anti-gp49 antibody, which is a B4-B4L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, is administered into a tumor-bearing mice, the mice showed a significant antitumor activity compared to a mice administered with a control antibody. Since several competitive groups abroad have reported similar results, we changed our approach and continuing our research.

Free Research Field

免疫学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究成果は、B4-B4L1免疫チェックポイントを標的とすることで効果的な抗がん作用が得られることを示すものであり、PD-1やCTLA-4などの既存の免疫チェックポイント分子を標的とする既存の免疫チェックポイント阻害薬とは作用メカニズムの異なる新規免疫チェックポイント阻害薬の開発に繋がり、がん患者のQOL向上に貢献することが期待できる。