Elucidation of the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K15276
• 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: Wakayama Medical University
• Principal Investigator: TAMIYA Shigeyuki 和歌山県立医科大学, 薬学部, 助教 (90908203)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: Mycoplasma pneumoniae / 肺炎 / アレルギー

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis and exacerbation mechanisms of bronchial asthma following Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mycoplasma) infection. As a result, contrary to expectations, the administration of house dust mite antigens, which cause asthma and allergic rhinitis, after Mycoplasma infection showed suppression of allergic symptoms. The mechanisms underlying this suppression might involve the reduction of IL-1alpha in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the disruption of the Th1/Th2 balance.

Free Research Field

免疫学、細菌学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

マイコプラズマ感染後の気管支喘息の発症および増悪は、経済や社会に大きな影響を与え、患者の生活にも大きな支障をきたす。しかし、未だマイコプラズマに起因した気管支喘息の発症機序が不明であり、予防することができないのが現状である。本研究で得られた結果は、マイコプラズマ感染後の気管支喘息の発症予防法の確立に向けた基盤情報となり得ると期待される。