Development of novel T cell-selective costimulatory modulator for autoimmune diseases

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K08806
• 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: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: SUZUKI Katsuya 慶應義塾大学, 医学部(信濃町), 准教授 (70306695)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 自己免疫疾患 / T細胞 / 共刺激調節薬 / 創薬 / 抗体医薬 / 治療

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We validated efficacy of novel T-cell-selective co-stimulatory molecule modulator targeting TIGIT, an inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule and obtained pre-clinical data for novel breakthrough treatments for systemic autoimmune diseases. Interventions targeting human TIGIT have proposed a new mechanism that suppresses the function of Tfh and Tph cells and enhances the activity of regulatory T cells, which are strongly associated with the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases. We believe that this is an important research achievement in two respects: the development of novel therapeutic agents aimed at the control of systemic autoimmune diseases, and the proposal of a novel molecular mechanism by T cell-selective co-stimulatory molecule regulation.

Free Research Field

内科学（リウマチ・膠原病）

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

全身性自己免疫疾患の制御を目指す新規治療薬の開発およびT細胞選択的共刺激分子調節による新規の分子機構の提唱の2点において重要な研究成果と考えている。本研究成果が全身性自己免疫疾患治療の発展に役立つことが期待される。