口腔感染症および非感染性疾患予防を目指した粘膜ワクチンの開発 : 新たな経鼻ダブルdnaアジュバントシステムによる健康長寿社会への貢献
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: The surface layer of the mucosa, which, in adult humans, is estimated to have a surface area over 200 times greater than that of the skin, is constantly in contact with foreign antigens, against which non-specific defense (innate immune mechanisms) and specific defense (acquired immune mechanisms) systems are activated. In the mucosal areas that are entry points for foreign antigens, the efficient production and secretion of secretory IgA (SIgA) antibodies, comprising the main form of specific defense, and mucosal vaccines, which are efficient antigen delivery systems for inducing and promoting antibody production, may offer strategic tools for preventing not only infections, but also the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We have previously undertaken research and development of an immunostimulating agent (adjuvant) for use with mucosal vaccines based on mucosal immunity, particularly nasal vaccines that are administered to the nasal cavity. More specifically, a double DNA adjuvant (dDA) system that targets dendritic cells, which are antigen-presenting cells, was developed, and basic research was conducted using a number of different antigens, including a comparison of the immune response to these antigens when they were introduced into the nasal cavities of young and old experimental animals (mice). Recently, we have been working toward the development of a mucosal vaccine capable of preventing infection or NCDs that can also be used by older people. In this review article, I will introduce the advantages of mucosal vaccines as well as recent findings in our group. We anticipate the development of an effective tool in the near future whereby mucosal vaccines could prevent NCDs as well as various infectious diseases and fulfil the national goals of “the extension of healthy life expectancies” and “reduction of health disparities”. In addition, we hope that mucosal vaccines will markedly contribute to the oral health service in the super-aging society.
Language: Japanese
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7207946076