Evaluation of the physical properties of cells for understanding the pathogenesis of inflammation

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K08794
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 54020:Connective tissue disease and allergy-related
• Research Institution: Akita University
• Principal Investigator: Ueki Shigeharu 秋田大学, 医学系研究科, 教授 (60361234)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 寺境 光俊 秋田大学, 理工学研究科, 教授 (70251618)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 好酸球 / 好中球 / 物性 / 粘液 / 鼻副鼻腔炎

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study is the first to demonstrate that eosinophils and neutrophils, when activated in vitro and undergoing cell death (ETosis), exhibit properties similar to mucus (CT value, dry weight, hydrophobicity, and viscoelasticity). These properties are attributed to the distinct characteristics of extracellular traps formed by eosinophils and neutrophils, respectively. Furthermore, we found that eosinophil extracellular traps can be effectively degraded using heparin and DNase, and confirmed that this treatment has a similar effect on the mucus from actual eosinophilic sinusitis. These findings elucidate the mechanism of mucus retention mediated by granulocytes and suggest novel therapeutic strategies.

Free Research Field

アレルギー学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

これまで好酸球性炎症疾患の粘液は粘性が高いことが知られていたが、この原因は主にムチンの分泌亢進や成分変化によるものと考えられてきた。本研究は、気道内腔に遊出する顆粒球に着目し、大量の顆粒球が細胞死を起こして集積すると、それのみで臨床的な粘液と同じような物理学的性状を示した。本研究は、新規バイオマーカーや、物性を改善させる新規治療法の可能性を示し、社会的にも重要であると考えられ、プレスリリースを行い、広く結果を公開している。