Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the innate response and the effects of risk factors on SARS-CoV-2 infection

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K07049
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 49060:Virology-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University (2023); Hokkaido University (2021)
• Principal Investigator: Taisho Yamada 九州大学, 生体防御医学研究所, 助教 (10779333)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 自然免疫 / 抗ウイルス / RIG-I

Outline of Final Research Achievements

SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus that causes COVID-19. There were many unknowns about how it is recognized and eliminated by the host's innate immune system. Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are known to be a risk factor for the severe COVID-19, the detailed molecular mechanisms have remained unclear. In this study, we identified RIG-I as a host sensor molecule important for the innate direct antiviral response in human lung epithelial cells. Furthermore, its expression is reduced in cells from patients with smoking and COPD, causing viral proliferation.

Free Research Field

自然免疫

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

慢性閉塞性肺疾患（COPD）などの基礎疾患がなぜ、COVID-19の重症化の高いリスク要因となるかを分子機構を見出した。本研究でSARS-COV-2の抑制に重要な分子として見出したRIG-Iの発現を肺上皮細胞で正常に保つことが、感染症重症化を予防することにつながる可能性を提示した。さらにその方法の一つの案として、レチノイン酸（ATRA）処理によってRIG-I発現を回復させることを実験的に検証した。