Elucidation of the inflammatory cytokine production mechanism of Th17 cells for the prevention strategy of rheumatoid arthritis

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K23870
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0803:Pathology, infection/immunology, and related fields
• Research Institution: Tokyo Women's Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Okamoto Yuko 東京女子医科大学, 医学部, 講師 (30723043)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-08-30 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 関節リウマチ / T細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Although the prognosis of patients with rheumatoid arthritis has improved dramatically, the focus of research is shifting to prevention of development of arthritis because arthritis that has once developed cannot be cured. In order to prevent the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, it is necessary to establish predictors of the onset and elucidate the autoimmune mechanism. In Europe and the United States, intervention studies are underway using existing anti-rheumatic drugs, but there is a need to establish more specific preventive methods according to the pathogenic mechanisms. Th17 cells are a subset of T cells and are attracting attention as the main effectors for the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and exacerbation of arthritis. In this study, we revealed inflammatory cytokines produced by Th17 cells.

Free Research Field

リウマチ学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、既に発症した関節炎/関節リウマチを治療するのではなく、関節炎の発症前に予防を試みる自己免疫疾患の分野では新たな試みである。Th17細胞を中心とした、T細胞サイトカイン制御機構を明らかにすることで、新たな治療ターゲットの同定に結び付く可能性がある。