A significant role of senescent cells and donor mesenchymal stem cells in ocular chronic graft-versus-host disease and development of new therapy

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26462668
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Ophthalmology
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: Ogawa Yoko 慶應義塾大学, 医学部(信濃町), 特任准教授 (30160774)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): Kazuo Tsubota 慶應義塾大学, 医学部, 教授 (40163878) ; Shimmura Shimmura 慶應義塾大学, 医学部, 准教授 (00235780)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 眼GVHD / ドライアイ / 間葉系幹細胞 / 細胞老化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We found that a significant role of mesenchymal stem cells（MSCs）and senescent macrophages in the pathogenic fibrosis in ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).　Donor MSCs and senescent macrophages expressing p16 were infiltrated into lacrimal glands and activated by interacting each other in early onset of ocular GVHD by secreting senescent related factors. We confirmed immunogenic and MHC class II+ MSCs infiltrated into cGVHD target organs especially lacrimal gland. We analysed the effectiveness of depletion of MSCs transplantation or suppression of a senescent associated cytokine in development of fibrosis and inflammation in ocular GVHD.

Free Research Field

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