Development of vaccines based on the maximization of immune function and control of pharmacokinetics of extracellular vesicles derived from dendritic cells

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21H02616
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 47020:Pharmaceutical analytical chemistry and physicochemistry-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: Takakura Yoshinobu 京都大学, 薬学研究科, 特任教授 (30171432)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 高橋 有己 京都大学, 薬学研究科, 准教授 (00547870)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 細胞外小胞 / エクソソーム / 樹状細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Extracellular vesicles, which are membrane vesicles produced by dendritic cells, are loaded with immune molecules derived from the producing cells, and thus can be useful as vaccines by loading antigen proteins. However, it is necessary to efficiently and continuously deliver the antigen to the lymph nodes, the site of antigen presentation. In this study, these points were investigated. The results showed that changing the type of extracellular vesicles did not alter lymph node migration. On the other hand, sustained release of extracellular vesicles was achieved by developing sustained-release formulation. This finding is a useful fundamental finding for effective vaccine development.

Free Research Field

生物薬剤学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

社会問題となったコロナウイルス感染症の対策において主たる解決策となったことからも明らかなように、効果的なワクチン療法の開発が望まれている。樹状細胞由来の細胞外小胞を利用したワクチン療法は、有用なワクチンとなりえることが期待されるが、その効果は一過性で会った。本研究で開発した徐放化技術によって、その他内動態の制御と、単回投与によってのワクチン効果の発揮とその持続化に成功した。従って、本研究の成果は樹状細胞由来の細胞外小胞のワクチン開発を大いに促進するものと考えられる。