The role of M cells in allergic airway inflammation

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K21170
• Project/Area Number (Other): 18H06033 (2018)
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund (2019); Single-year Grants (2018)
• Review Section: 0605:Veterinary medical science, animal science, and related fields
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: Nakamura Yutaka 慶應義塾大学, 薬学部(芝共立), 特任助教 (60824456)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-08-24 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: M細胞 / 気道炎症 / 気管支炎

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Our results from M cell-null Spi-B or Sox8-deficient mice indicate that the development of airway mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues, like NALT and iBALT, is independent of M cells. On the other hand, the defect of Spi-B slightly reduced germinal center B cells, indicating the reduced induction of immune responses.
The Spi-B depletion exacerbated the house dust mite (HDM)-induced asthma, as represented by the increased number of macrophages infiltrating the bronchoalveolar lumen. This result suggests that M cells play an important role in the defense against airway damage.

Free Research Field

粘膜免疫学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

これまで気道M細胞による抗原取り込みと気道炎症との関連は明確ではなかった。しかし、本研究により、気道炎症に対する宿主防御応答にM細胞による抗原取り込みが寄与していることが推測された。さらなる研究により、宿主防御応答の詳細を明らかにすることで、アレルギー病態形成におけるM細胞の役割、免疫誘導機構について解明することが可能である。