Functional analysis of tumor-associated macrophages accumulating in dead tumor cells

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25430117
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Tumor biology
• Research Institution: Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science
• Principal Investigator: NISHITAI GEN 東京薬科大学, 生命科学部, 助教 (60509941)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): TANAKA MASATO 東京薬科大学, 生命科学部・免疫制御学研究室, 教授 (00294059)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: マクロファージ / 遺伝子組換えマウス / 腫瘍免疫

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Malignant tumors arise even in an immunocompetent host by maneuvering immune recognition. Accumulating evidence has suggested that tumor-associated macrophages play a key role in tumor growth. In the previous study, we revealed that CD204-positive macrophages were infiltrated to tumors in response to tumor cell death. To reveal the involvement of CD204-positive macrophages in tumor regrowth, we generated mice that contain human diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) under the control of CD204 promoter. When CD204-positive macrophages were depleted by DT administration, tumor regrowth followed by X-ray irradiation was significantly suppressed. These results suggest that CD204-positive macrophages assist tumor regrowth.

Free Research Field

総合生物