Investigation of antigen-specific immune responses in periodontitis

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K09850
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 57020:Oral pathobiological science-related
• Research Institution: Fukuoka Dental College
• Principal Investigator: Nagao Jun-ichi 福岡歯科大学, 口腔歯学部, 准教授 (30509047)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 岸川 咲吏 福岡歯科大学, 口腔歯学部, 助教 (50781358)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 歯周病 / 歯周病原細菌 / Th17細胞 / 抗原 / T細胞受容体

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Periodontitis, a leading cause of tooth loss, is strongly associated with periodontal bacteria. The pathogenesis of periodontitis has been reported to be mediated by host immune responses, especially IL-17A-producing helper T cells such as Th17 cells. However, the regulatory mechanism in which an immune response is induced via Th17 cells by periodontal bacteria remains unclear. The antigen derived from periodontal bacteria and the T cell receptor of the responsible Th17 cells have not yet been identified. In this study, we used the mice model of periodontitis to search for antigens derived from periodontal bacteria that induce Th17 cells and the T cell receptors of the responsible Th17 cells. We have gained new insights into the antigen-specific immune response against periodontal bacteria.

Free Research Field

病態系口腔科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

従来の歯周病の治療・予防は、口腔内の歯垢や歯石の除去を主体としたのもであった。本研究で得られた歯周病原細菌に対する抗原特異的な免疫応答機構に関する知見は、歯周病の責任Th17細胞を特異的に制御する新たな免疫療法の開発に繋がると期待される。例えば、特定した歯周病特異的抗原を応用したワクチン開発、および責任Th17細胞のT細胞受容体を標的とした治療法が可能になる。