Activated protein C for the therapy of allergic diseases

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26860605
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Respiratory organ internal medicine
• Research Institution: Mie University
• Principal Investigator: Takagi Takehiro 三重大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), リサーチアソシエイト (70585174)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: アレルギー / 凝固制御因子 / 肥満細胞 / 好酸球 / 喘息 / 活性化プロテインＣ / トロンボモジュリン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Activated protein C (APC) is a natural anticoagulant that can also play an important role in the modulation of inflammatory, immune and allergic responses. APC results from the activation of protein C by the thrombin and thrombomodulin (TM) complex. TM can also exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. The present study was undertaken to assess whether recombinant human (rh) TM can inhibit the allergic responses of mast cells and eosinophils, and whether APC can block the maturation of dendritic cells. This study showed that rhTM suppresses airway hyperresponsivenes, infiltration of eosinophils and degranulation/activation of mast cells in an allergic bronchial asthma mouse model. In addition, this study demonstrated that APC can inhibit the activation and maturation of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Overall, these results suggest the potential usefulness of both rhTM and APC for treating allergic diseases.

Free Research Field

医歯薬学