Analysis of the regulatory mechanism of liver resident NK cell function through aortic calcification factor (apolipoprotein E)

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K09104
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 55020:Digestive surgery-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: OHIRA MASAHIRO 広島大学, 病院(医), 助教 (30397947)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: NK細胞 / 肝細胞癌 / 動脈石灰化 / 肝臓内免疫

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we investigated the effect of aortic calcification on the antitumor activity of liver resident natural killer (NK) cells via apolipoprotein E (ApoE). We analyzed mouse models and human liver resection cases and found that osteoprotegerin (OPG), which has vasoprotective effects, decreased liver resident NK cell activity and contributed to the increase in liver tumors. The results of this study provide a basis for the development of novel anticancer drugs targeting OPG in the liver.

Free Research Field

消化器外科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

高齢化社会の影響で大動脈石灰化症例は増加しており、心血管合併症のみならず癌増殖や外科手術後の合併症が懸念されている。本研究成果は、大動脈石灰化が肝臓内免疫に与えるメカニズムを初めて明らかにしたもので、特に、肝臓内の抗腫瘍免疫で重要な役割を果たすNK細胞機能低下機構が証明された。この結果から大動脈石灰化による癌増殖に対する新規抗癌治療法開発につながることが期待される。