Elucidation of molecular mechanism of cholera toxin-induced immune adjuvant effect

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25870401
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Immunology; Experimental pathology
• Research Institution: Wakayama Medical University (2014); Osaka University (2013)
• Principal Investigator: SASAKI Izumi 和歌山県立医科大学, 先端医学研究所, 助教 (80611037)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: コレラ毒素

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Cholera toxin (CT) is well known as a strong mucosal adjuvant, which can induce IgA production and Th2 responses. However, the molecular basis how CT works as an immune adjuvant remains unknown. We have previously found that arginase I (ArgI) gene expression was strongly induced in CT-stimulated cells. Based on this phenomenon, we tried to clarify an elucidation of molecular mechanism of CT-induced immune adjuvant effect. First, we have performed screening of novel signaling molecules, which was involved in CT-induced immune adjuvant effect. Then, we have identified several molecules including PKA. Furthermore, we have clarified that PKA and ArgI were involved in CT plus LPS-induced synergistic IL-1β production at the post-transcriptional levels. We plan to further clarify the molecular mechanisms of CT-induced immune adjuvant effect.

Free Research Field

医歯薬学