Ajou University Develops New Analytical Method for Treating Intestinal Inflammation

Establishing a Foundation for the Development of Immune Therapeutics

A joint research team from Ajou University and the University of Washington has established a new analytical method to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of T cells, which play a central role in the human immune system and orchestrate immune cells, within the gut immune environment. This development is expected to contribute to the future development of immune therapeutics related to intestinal inflammation.

From the left, Dr. Jiseon Jung, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Washington, USA, and Dr. Jaewoo Lee, Professor of Biological Sciences at Ajou University. Ajou University

On June 5, Ajou University announced that a joint research team led by Professor Jaewoo Lee of the Department of Biological Sciences had established a new analytical method for classifying and systematizing intestinal T cell receptors. The findings were published in May in the renowned immunology journal "Immunity" under the title "Regulation of the T Cell Antigen Receptor Repertoire by Food- and Microbiota-Derived Antigens."

This study was co-led by Professor Lee and Dr. Jiseon Jung, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington, as first authors. Professor Chyi-Song Hsieh of the University of Washington School of Medicine participated as the corresponding author.

T cells, a type of leukocyte, are the most pivotal cells in the human immune system, taking charge of orchestrating other immune cells. However, due to the large number and diverse functions of T cells, research has been limited to individual T cells, and it has been difficult to elucidate the overall mechanisms of T cells.

In particular, basic research on the antigen specificity of T cells is crucial for solving immunological challenges such as celiac disease. However, due to the complexity of the gut immune environment, direct research on this topic remains at a fundamental level.

In response, the research teams at Ajou University and the University of Washington conducted studies on intestinal T cell receptors in mice and established a new research framework that classifies TCRs into those dependent on self-antigens, food antigens, and microbiota-derived antigens, respectively.

The team tracked antigen-specific T cell responses in the gut environment on a macro level by measuring the overall TCR response to food and commensal bacteria, and on a micro level by tracing the response of individual TCRs to food and commensal bacteria.

Through this process, the team completed a systematic map classifying approximately 20,000 T cell receptors (TCRs).

Additionally, the researchers conducted an in-depth analysis of T cell antigen specificity that causes inflammatory bowel disease. Through their analysis, they identified soy protein among the components of mouse feed as an antigen responsible for chronic intestinal inflammatory responses.

The research technique, which utilizes tracking by food component and network analysis between gut bacteria and TCRs, is expected to be widely applicable for elucidating the complex interactions among T cells, food, and gut microbiota.

Professor Lee explained, "The newly proposed research technique is a classification system that allows us to see both the forest and the trees of T cell receptors, and it can be usefully applied to identify food and commensal bacteria-derived antigens that stimulate T cells in intestinal inflammatory conditions."

He added, "We hope that this basic research will provide important information necessary for the future development of immune therapeutics related to intestinal inflammation and food allergies."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.