Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are a general term for autoantibodies that target the cytoplasmic granules and lysosomes of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. ANCA-associated vasculitis, which causes inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body and impairs visceral function, is designated as an intractable disease by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. However, the exact pathology remains unclear.

Masayuki Nishide (Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Osaka), Kei Nishimura (WPI-IFReC/Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd), Atsushi Kumanogoh (President of The University of Osaka), and the research group discovered, through single-cell analysis of neutrophils from patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis, an increase in hyper-reactive neutrophils. These hyper-reactive neutrophils are readily activated by interferon-gamma. Measuring the interferon-gamma concentration in the patient's blood can aid in predicting disease relapse and provide valuable information for treatment.
(Nature Communications on April 24, 2026)

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Dr. Masayuki Nishide

Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Osaka