Mechanism of eosinophilic esophagitis focusing on the immune response of the esophagus-skin interface via percutaneous sensitisation.

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K08907
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 54020:Connective tissue disease and allergy-related
• Research Institution: Shimane University
• Principal Investigator: Oshima Naoki 島根大学, 学術研究院医学・看護学系, 講師 (10403461)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 石原 俊治 島根大学, 学術研究院医学・看護学系, 教授 (80263531)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 好酸球性食道炎 / アレルギー

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In recent years, epicutaneous sensitisation has attracted attention as a new sensitisation route for allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to clarify whether antigen sensitisation in the skin triggers the development of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and whether the disruption of the skin barrier mechanism can contribute to the pathogenesis of EoE. The results suggest that epicutaneous sensitisation with antigens induces eosinophilic inflammation in the esophageal mucosa and that ILC2 mediated by IL-33 may be involved in the pathogenesis of EoE. It was also found that disruption of the skin barrier exacerbates development of EoE.

Free Research Field

消化器内科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は“消化管粘膜”の好酸球性炎症でありながら、その病態解明の舞台を“皮膚”に移し、全く新しいアプローチからEoE発症の謎を解き明かそうとする学術的独自性を持った研究と考えられる。“アレルギーアーチ”の過程において、外来抗原の経皮暴露がEoE発症の一因になることが明らかになった。今回の成果を基に皮膚をターゲットとしたEoEの発症予防、経皮免疫療法といった新しい治療法の開発も期待でき、創造性も持ち合わせている。