Exploration of adjuvant-active substances derived from extracellular membrane vesicles

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K15254
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 47030:Pharmaceutical hygiene and biochemistry-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: Kenichi Kawano 京都大学, 薬学研究科, 助教 (70732874)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 曲率認識ペプチド / 細胞外小胞 / アジュバント / 免疫活性 / 腸内細菌

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we evaluated immune activation by EVs derived from intestinal bacteria, with the aim of applying immune-enhancing factors to adjuvants from extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are constantly secreted from cells. M1 and M2 macrophages differentiated stimulated by isolated EVs remarkably exhibited secretion of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. It has been revealed that EV-encapsulated molecules have immunomodulatory functions, and their application as adjuvants is expected in the future.

Free Research Field

免疫学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

菌体から恒常的に分泌される細胞外膜小胞(EV)は、生物学的意義は長らく不明とされてきた。近年の研究で、EVには免疫細胞を活性化させる効果があると分かった。 しかしながら、宿主細胞のEMV取込み機構や、EVの内包物放出機構、そして免疫活性中心の物質情報に関して、分子レベルでの解析データは極めて限られている。本研究では、EVの作用機序を詳細に解明し、EV由来の免疫増強因子をアジュバントへ応用する事で、研究成果の社会貢献を目指す。