Mechanisms of lung inflammation induced by viral infection

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25860058
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Biological pharmacy
• Research Institution: The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: MIYAUCHI Kosuke 独立行政法人理化学研究所, 統合生命医科学研究センター, 研究員 (50619856)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: ウイルス性肺炎 / 肥満細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Pneumonia is a one of the major cause of death in influenza virus infectious disease. However, how influenza virus infection cause lung inflammation is largely unclear. We revealed mast cells that are usually cause allergic reaction, are also involved in lung inflammation by influenza virus infection. Mast cells sense the virus invasion and migrate into respiratory tract. Mast cells activate lung residential macrophages during influenza virus infection. After virus infection, mast cells express virus activation proteases and produce high infectious viruses. These mast cell’s behaviors exacerbate lung inflammation.

Free Research Field

感染免疫、ウイルス学