Analysis of molecular mechanisms of intestinal homeostasis regulated by epithelial cells

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K07174
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 49070:Immunology-related
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: KOHYAMA Masako 大阪大学, 感染症総合教育研究拠点, 准教授 (70311339)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 腸管免疫 / 上皮細胞 / 腸内細菌

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The expression of MHC II molecules in intestinal epithelial cells and the expression of CD74 molecules that regulate MHC II molecules functions in intestinal epithelial cells are altered by different types of intestinal bacteria, and CD74 deficient mice show increased susceptibility to intestinal damage (irradiation-induced intestinal damage model and DSS-induced intestinal inflammation model). Furthermore, we generated mice lacking CD74 molecules specifically in small intestinal epithelial cells and analyzed the role of CD74 molecules in intestinal damage. The results revealed that CD74 molecules expressed on the cell surface of small intestinal epithelial cells play an important role in intestinal damage.

Free Research Field

免疫学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

近年、腸内フローラとアレルギーや自己免疫疾患の関係が指摘され、その作用機序の解明に注目が集まっている。本研究では腸内細菌叢の変化によってその発現が制御される分子を同定し、腸管ダメージにおける役割の重要性を示した。この結果はこの分子をターゲットとした治療や、新薬開発につながるものと考えられる。