Roles of CD226 in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K17887
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 54020:Connective tissue disease and allergy-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Masahiro Ayano 九州大学, 医学研究院, 助教 (40773677)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: CD226 / 全身性エリテマトーデス / ループス腎炎 / B細胞 / バイオマーカー

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to reveal the involvement of CD226 in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by assessing the relationship between CD226-expressing B cells or soluble CD226 and the disease activity, clinical manifestations, and prognosis of SLE. We demonstrated that the proportion of CD226+ B cells increased in SLE patients and could be associated with disease activity and prognosis. We also showed that serum soluble CD226 levels were elevated in active SLE patients and were associated with disease activity and flares. Thus, CD226+ B cells and soluble CD226 may be useful biomarkers for SLE, and its monitoring allows for more precise SLE management.

Free Research Field

膠原病内科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

全身性エリテマトーデス（SLE）は治療薬や治療戦略の進歩に伴い長期予後は改善しつつあるが十分ではなく、依然として腎炎や中枢神経病変など難治性病態が残存している。本研究では、B細胞のCD226陽性率および血清可溶型CD226濃度がSLEの難治性病態および予後を反映しSLE診療における有用なバイオマーカーになり得ることを示した。これらを用いることでSLE診療の質の向上、長期予後の改善につながることが期待される。