Elucidation of the Pathophysiology of Acute Flaccid Myelitis and Applications in Prevention and Treatment Using Human Nerve Tissue and Asthma Mouse Models

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K07799
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 52050:Embryonic medicine and pediatrics-related
• Research Institution: Yamaguchi University
• Principal Investigator: Matsushige Takeshi 山口大学, 医学部附属病院, 講師 (60528941)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 急性弛緩性脊髄炎 / エンテロウイルス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is an emerging infectious disease potentially linked to Enterovirus D68, though direct infection evidence in human neural tissue has not been established. In this study, peripheral nerves obtained during surgery were used for comprehensive viral detection through metagenomic next-generation sequencing. We identified fragments of Enterovirus D68 and Coxsackievirus, supporting their potential role in AFM. Currently, we are developing traditional suckling mouse models, which have shown mild paralysis, but not complete flaccid paralysis, with a low occurrence rate. Moving forward, we aim to develop asthma-sensitized mature mouse models that more closely mimic human disease conditions. This advancement will enable exploration of therapeutic interventions in settings that approximate human pathology, thereby enhancing our understanding of AFM pathogenesis and aiding in the development of effective treatments.

Free Research Field

小児神経学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

急性弛緩性脊髄炎は、特に子どもに発症しやすく、重度の麻痺を引き起こす可能性がある病気である。当研究では、手術で得られた神経組織を用いてウイルスの特定を行い、AFMと関連するウイルスの断片を確認した。さらに、従来の乳飲みマウスモデルを超えて、人と同じ感染経路を持つ成熟マウスモデルの開発に取り組んでいる。より成熟した免疫システムを持つマウスを使用することで、病態解明と効果的な治療法の開発につながり、子どもたちの健康維持への貢献が期待される。