Development of Immunotherapy Targeting Immunoreceptors for Treatment of Intractable Immune Diseases – 筑波大学 × SDGs _DESIGN THE FUTURE機構 | Organization for DESIGN THE FUTURE

EFFORTS OF UNIVERSITY OF TSUKUBAEfforts of University of Tsukuba

Taget

Project

Development of Immunotherapy Targeting Immunoreceptors for Treatment of Intractable Immune Diseases

Summary

Immunoreceptors are cell-surface molecules expressed on a variety of immune cells and regulate activation of these cells through transmitting either activating or inhibitory signals. Therefore, immunoreceptors play a pivotal role in immune responses against infectious disease, cancer, inflammation, and allergy. In order to establish therapeutic approaches against these disorders, it is essential to regulate the immunoreceptor-mediated signaling. Our group first identified the immnunoreceptors, including DNAM-1 (CD226), MAIR (CD300), Allergin-1, and Fcα/μR (CD351), which play important roles in the pathogenesis of cancer, inflammation, allergy, and infection, respectively. In this research, we will develop drugs that target these immunoreceptors.

By using disease model mice, we have clarified that DNAM-1 is involved in the development of cancer, acute graft versus host disease (GVHD), and organ transplant rejection; MAIR in sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease, atopy and asthma; Allergin-1 in anaphylaxis and atopy; and Fcα/μR in sepsis and autoimmune diseases. Moreover, monoclonal antibodies against these immunoreceptors exhibited therapeutic efficacies in disease model mice. Our goal is to create humanized antibodies against these immunoreceptors for clinical application.