Understanding HAM pathogenesis through analysis of viral dynamics and immune response in early STLV-1 infection

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K17049
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52020:Neurology-related
• Research Institution: St. Marianna University School of Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Yamauchi Junji 聖マリアンナ医科大学, 医学研究科, 講師 (80760347)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: HAM / HTLV-1 / 免疫抑制薬 / 腎移植

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to obtain knowledge that will lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of HAM, we analyzed the effects of the unique environment of new HTLV-1 infection in renal transplantation (use of immunosuppressive drugs and presence of a foreign body (another person's kidney)) on virus dynamics and immune responses using a model of HTLV-1 infection in cynomolgus macaques. Interesting changes regarding viral spread and immune response were observed with the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Although the schedule was delayed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, analysis of the effects of kidney transplantation (plus immunosuppressive drugs) is currently being conducted.

Free Research Field

神経内科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

HAMは、進行性の神経症状を引き起こす稀少難病で、重症例では寝たきりに至り、排尿困難、頑固な便秘、下肢のしびれや痛みなど様々な症状を引き起こす。有効な治療法は確立されておらず、動物モデルがないことが、発症メカニズムの解明や根本治療の開発の大きな障壁となっている。本研究は、HAM動物モデルの確立や発症機構の解明に寄与する可能性がある。