Elucidating the mechanism regulating the proliferation and differentiation of type 2 alveolar epithelial cells by alveolar macrophages

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K16113
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 53030:Respiratory medicine-related
• Research Institution: Kanazawa University
• Principal Investigator: Watanabe Satoshi 金沢大学, 医薬保健学総合研究科, 特任准教授 (60772960)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: マクロファージ / 肺修復 / 肺再生

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Macrophages are main immune cells involved in lung defense and homeostasis. In this study, we examined the effects of macrophages on the proliferation and differentiation of alveolar epithelial cells by using a murine postpneumonectomy model. We found that interstitial macrophages promote compensatory lung growth. Interestingly, they are associated with lung regeneration not by influencing the proliferation and differentiation of alveolar epithelial cells, but rather through promoting angiogenesis. This suggests potential applications for interstitial macrophage-mediated lung repair and regeneration therapies in the future.

Free Research Field

呼吸器内科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

慢性閉塞性肺疾患や肺線維症の罹患率や死亡率は増加している。これらの慢性呼吸器疾患では肺修復機転の破綻を認めることから、肺修復・再生を促進するような治療戦略が必要である。本研究では肺の主要な免疫担当細胞であるマクロファージの働きに注目し、肺再生に関わるマクロファージのサブタイプと機能を明らかにした。マクロファージによる肺修復・再生機構が明確になることで、今後マクロファージを介した慢性呼吸器疾患の治療への応用が期待される。