Elucidation of pathological significance of IgG4 using a novel mouse model

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K22537
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Exploratory)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 49:Pathology, infection/immunology, and related fields
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Baba Yoshihiro 九州大学, 生体防御医学研究所, 教授 (20415269)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-06-28 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: IgG4

Outline of Final Research Achievements

IgG4-related disease is characterized by high blood IgG4 antibody levels and fibrosis. In addition, IgG4 has been shown to suppress allergies. Although the relationship between IgG4 and allergic diseases is suspected, the details are unknown. A major reason for the lack of progress in IgG4 research is the absence of IgG4 in mice. Therefore, we gnerated a new mouse that produces human IgG4. We showed that B cell differentiation of this mouse was normal. In addition, IgG4 production was observed by immunization. Thus, the newly created IgG4-producing mouse may be a useful tool for verifying the role of IgG4 in vivo.

Free Research Field

免疫学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究で作成した新規ヒトIgG4産生マウスは、これまで不可能だったIgG4陽性B細胞のin vivoでの活性化や分化、ならびにIgG4抗体の疾患制御の役割を検証することが可能となり、IgG4の病理的意義を直接的に調べることができる。よって、IgG4関連疾患およびアレルギー疾患の理解と予測、さらには、治療の選択に貢献できると考えられる。また、謎の多いIgG4の機能という、基礎免疫学の研究領域の発展に大きく貢献することが期待される。