2011 Fiscal Year Final Research Report
Analysis and clinical application of the mechanisms involved in airway remodeling by using peripheral blood fibrocytes.
| Project/Area Number |
21591354
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Section | 一般 |
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| Research Field |
Pediatrics
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| Research Institution | University of Fukui |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2009 – 2011
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| Keywords | 小児免疫 / アレルギー / 膠原病学 |
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| Research Abstract |
It has been presumed that fibrocytes are involved in airway remodeling in asthmatics as well as repair of damaged tissues and fibrosis. Recently, IL-33 has been attracting attention as an important cytokine that induces the differentiation of Th2 cell, which plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma. In this study, we analyzed the effects of IL-33 on the function of fibrocytes. Fibrocytes expressed IL-33 receptor, ST2. IL-33 enhanced cell proliferation,α-smooth muscle actin expression and MMP9 production of fibrocytes. Dexamethasone suppressed cell proliferation and MMP9 expression of fibrocytes regardless of the presence or absence of IL-33-stimulation. IL-33 not only induces the differentiation of Th2 cells through modulating the function of dendritic cell function but also may play an important role in airway remodeling, a repairing process of allergic inflammation. Steroid seems to effectively inhibit the function of fibrocytes.
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