Basic study on the control of diffusely invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma by immunological approach

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K10065
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 57060:Surgical dentistry-related
• Research Institution: University of Toyama
• Principal Investigator: NOGUCHI Makoto 富山大学, 学術研究部医学系, 教授 (50208328)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 山崎 学 新潟大学, 医歯学系, 准教授 (10547516) ; 藤原 久美子 富山大学, 学術研究部医学系, 助教 (60404737) ; 冨原 圭 新潟大学, 医歯学系, 教授 (70404738)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 口腔癌 / 腫瘍免疫

Outline of Final Research Achievements

As novel therapeutic agents against immunosuppressive cells involved in the control of diffusely invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma, we conducted an experimental therapeutic system using Pak4 or CD36 inhibitors or mTOR inhibitors, which have attracted attention as immunostimulatory agents in other carcinomas. The results showed that each drug had a characteristic immunomodulatory effect on the anti-tumor immune response. We would like to continue our research with the aim of combining these drugs with immune checkpoint inhibitors in the future.

Free Research Field

口腔癌

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

免疫チェックポイント阻害剤の効果は一部の患者に限定的である。その一因として、骨髄由来抑制性細胞（Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell;以下MDSC）の存在が考えられる。前述の薬剤のうち、CD36阻害剤、mTOR阻害剤は口腔扁平上皮癌のMDSCを制御し、T細胞分画へ好影響を示唆する結果であった。以上のことから、既存の薬物療法で抵抗性の口腔扁平上皮癌へ新規治療薬としての臨床応用が期待できる。