Elucidation of mechanisms of NKT cell mediated host defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25713038
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Infectious disease medicine
• Research Institution: National Institute of Infectious Diseases
• Principal Investigator: Kinjo Yuki 国立感染症研究所, その他部局等, 室長 (20570831)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 肺炎球菌 / NKT細胞 / 感染症 / 免疫学 / 内科

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Pneumonia is the third leading cause of death in Japan and Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pneumococcus) is the leading causative bacterium of pneumonia. To elucidate the mechanisms of host defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae in the early phase of infection, we studied a function of a lymphocyte called NKT cell. Mouse deficient for a subpopulation of NKT cell exhibited enhanced clearance of bacteria from lungs after Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. These mice also showed the improved outcome of post-influenza pneumococcal infection. These results suggest that this subpopulation of NKT cell may play a regulatory role on the host defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection.

Free Research Field

感染症内科学