Elucidation of the regulatory T cell induction mechanism by IL-27 -towards novel therapy for SLE-

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25860803
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Collagenous pathology/Allergology
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: IWASAKI Yukiko 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 助教 (30592935)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: IL-27 / 制御性T細胞 / Egr2

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have recently reported the CD4+CD25-LAG3+ new regulatory T cells (LAG3 Treg), which specifically express the transcriptional factor early response gene 2 (Egr2). The applicant has already found that interleukin　(IL)-27 cytokine can induce both Egr2 and LAG3 on naive CD4-positive T cells. In this project, it was shown that the IL-27-induced CD4-positive T cells can suppress antibody production from B cells. In addition, the applicant revealed that IL-27 signal can be transduced by the transcriptional factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), resulting in Egr2 expression. These findings provide insights into the novel therapeutic potential for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Free Research Field

膠原病学、免疫学