Regulation of innate immune responses through acyl-chain structures of gangliosides

2024 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K06530
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 47030:Pharmaceutical hygiene and biochemistry-related
• Research Institution: Keio University (2024); Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University (2021-2023)
• Principal Investigator: KANOH Hirotaka 慶應義塾大学, 政策・メディア研究科(藤沢), 特任助教 (40774279)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: スフィンゴ糖脂質 / 炎症 / 細胞死

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The Toll-like receptor (TLR) and caspase (Casp) families are involved in chronic inflammation, which strongly promotes cancer, metabolic syndrome, and other inflammatory disorders. We found that GM3 ganglioside, a glycosphingolipid, acts as an endogenous ligand for lipopolysaccharide receptors, such as TLR4. The regulatory mode of action depends on the acyl chain structure of the ceramide, i.e., the length and degree of fatty acid desaturation.

Free Research Field

生物系薬学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

がん、敗血症、重度のメタボリックシンドロームなどの炎症性疾患は、現代の医学・医療における重要な疾患であるとともに、未だ完治に向けた治療法の確立には至っておりません。本研究の成果は、炎症性疾患の背景にある、未知のメカニズムに焦点をあて、その一端を新たに明らかにしたものです。本研究の成果や、今後の研究の発展により、新たな治療法や診断法の開発につながることが期待されます。