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Research
2025.01.20

A New T cell Subset Fighting Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (Yamasaki G, in JCI)

PRESS RELEASE

As mycobacterium tuberculosis are protected by thick lipid cell wall, humans have developed immune responses against diverse mycobacterial lipids. Most of these immunostimulatory lipids are known as adjuvants acting through innate immune receptors, such as C-type lectin receptors. Although a few mycobacterial lipid antigens activate unconventional T cells, antigenicity of most adjuvantic lipids are unknown.

The research group of Sho Yamasaki (WPI-IFReC/RIMD/CiDER/CAMaD, Osaka University) identified that trehalose monomycolate (TMM), an abundant mycobacterial adjuvant, activates human T cells bearing a unique ɑβTCR. 
(online publishing in Jornal of Clinical Investigation on Dec. 24, 2024)


Contact

Prof. Sho Yamasaki

yamasakibiken.osaka-u.ac.jp

Molecular Immunology