Elucidation of molecular mechanisms of the selection and maturation of thymocytes

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26293108
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Immunology
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Oh-hora Masatsugu 九州大学, 生体防御医学研究所, 准教授 (40351506)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 小迫 英尊 徳島大学, 藤井節朗記念医科学センター, 教授 (10291171)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: T細胞分化 / シグナル情報伝達 / カルシウム

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the selection and maturation of thymocytes, we have analyzed the role of calcium signaling in T lymphocytes using cell-type specific Stim1 and Stim2 doubly or calcineurin b1 knockout mice. Using Foxp3-IRES-YFP/Cre Tg mice, we found that the store-operated calcium entry－calcium signaling axis is not essential for maintenance of Foxp3 expression in regulatory T cells after maturation, but is necessary for their inhibitory function. Cell maintenance of iNKT cells after maturation was normal in the absence of store-operated calcium entry. These results indicate that calcium signaling positively regulates differentiation of agonist selected thymocytes, while it positively regulates cell functions rather than cell maintenance after maturation.

Free Research Field

免疫学