Mast Cells Produce T Helper 2 and T-cell Regulatory Cytokine in IgG4-Related Disease

January 22, 2014

IgG4 related disease, discovered by Japanese researchers in 2001, is a systemic disorder that results in the formation of benign mass in various organs. It is frequently related to allergic diseases.

M. Takeuchi, Y. Sato and their research group in Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences has found that mast cells produce T helper 2 and regulatory T-cell cytokines in tissues affected by IgG4-related disease. The increased level of T helper 2 and regulatory T-cell cytokines is observed in patients with the disease. The study suggests that mast cells have an important role in the disease’s pathogenesis.

The findings were published online on January 3, 2014 in the journal Modern Pathology.
http://www.nature.com/modpathol/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/modpathol2013236a.html

IgG4 related disease is normally treated with steroid agents. However, recurrence happens in many cases. The study could lead to the development of a novel therapy targeting the mast cells in diseased tissue.

This study was supported by the Japan Society for the promotion of Science and Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.


Contact Information:
Mototaka Senda, Ph.D.
US Representative
Intellectual Property Office, Organization for Research Promotion and Collaboration, Okayama University
Fremont, California USA
TEL: 1-510-797-0907
Email: [email protected]

Yasyharu Sato,
Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan