Development of vaccine therapy for allergic rhinitis using NKT cell immune system approach

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K09650
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56050:Otorhinolaryngology-related
• Research Institution: Chiba University
• Principal Investigator: Yonekura Syuji 千葉大学, 大学院医学研究院, 准教授 (20400939)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: アレルギー性鼻炎 / 舌下免疫療法 / アジュバンド

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The adjuvant effect of α-GalCer-containing film in sublingual immunotherapy was verified using allergic rhinitis model mice. The induction of NKT cells in the cervical lymph nodes in the new film/OVA sublingual administration group was considered to be successful based on the increased expression of Vα14. Furthermore, it was suggested that decreased expression of IL-5 contributed to suppressing eosinophilic inflammation, and increased expression of IFN-γ contributed to correction of Th1/Th2 balance. In this study, there was no clear reduction in symptoms compared to the control group using a placebo. Further investigation was considered necessary, such as creating model mice with varying symptom intensity.

Free Research Field

アレルギー

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

アレルギー性鼻炎の有病率は本邦において49.2％であり、有病率は未だに上昇傾向にある国民病と言える。アレルギー性鼻炎の発症には原因アレルゲン曝露によるTh2型アレルギー反応の増悪が大きく影響すること、舌下免疫療法の奏効機序が制御性T細胞の誘導とTh2型アレルギーの抑制であることを考慮すると、これらの作用を更に増強できるアジュバントの開発がアレルギー性鼻炎発症を抑え込めるワクチン療法に繋がると考えられる。今回の成果より、α-Galcerフィルムのアジュバンドとのして有用性が示唆された。ただし臨床応用に向けてた準備として不十分であり、有効性の検討をさらに進めて実用化を目指したい。