Innate immune defense of intestinal mucosa regulated by memory T cells in a gastrointestinal nematode infection model

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K15269
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Parasitology (including sanitary zoology)
• Research Institution: Jikei University School of Medicine
• Principal Investigator: ISHIWATA KENJI 東京慈恵会医科大学, 医学部, 准教授 (00241307)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 粘膜免疫 / 再感染防御 / 寄生虫感染 / 免疫記憶 / 粘膜バリアー / 消化管寄生線虫 / Heligmosomoides

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Our preliminary results suggested that memory T cells maintain long-term innate immune defense on intestinal mucosa against reinfection of infective larvae of mice gastrointestinal nematode, Heligmosomoides polygyrus, which penetrate mucosal tissue. Detailed examination revealed that the larvae penetrated mucosal tissue where they reached and re-penetrated upper part 1/6 of the small intestine 1-2 days later. Results suggest that the transient penetration seems to evoke acquired immune response to block larval re-penetration. Our findings point out two significant information, 1) prevision of the known life cycle of H. polygyrus, and 2) a new protective mechanism exist as penetration blockade of the larvae against the reinfection as well as adult worm expulsion from the lumen. This protective pathway would be applicable to the vaccine strategies for intestinal infections caused by virus or bacteria.

Free Research Field

寄生虫感染免疫