The University of Tokyo · Medicine
Professor Ai Kuzumi's research lab focuses on the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying systemic sclerosis (SSc) and other autoimmune connective tissue diseases. The lab investigates key cytokines such as IL-31 and IL-34 in fibrosis and immune dysregulation, explores novel autoantibody detection technologies for improved diagnosis, and evaluates emerging therapeutic agents like rituximab and cannabidiol (CBD) in autoimmune and fibrotic conditions. A central theme is the translation of basic immunological findings into clinical applications for fibrosis and autoimmunity.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic multisystem disorder characterized by fibrosis and autoimmunity. Interleukin (IL)-31 has been implicated in fibrosis and T helper (Th) 2 immune responses, both of which are characteristics of SSc. The exact role of IL-31 in SSc pathogenesis is unclear. Here we show the overexpression of IL-31 and IL-31 receptor A (IL-31RA) in dermal fibroblasts (DFs) from SSc patients. We elucidate the dual role of IL-31 in SSc, where IL-31 directly promotes collagen product
Comprehensive autoantibody evaluation is essential for the management of autoimmune disorders. However, conventional methods suffer from poor sensitivity, low throughput, or limited availability. Here, using a proteome-wide human cDNA library, we developed a novel multiplex protein assay (autoantibody array assay; A-Cube) covering 65 antigens of 43 autoantibodies that are associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM). The performance of A-Cube was validated ag
In this cohort study, rituximab treatment was associated with significantly improved skin and lung fibrosis in SSc in a long-term follow-up. Decrease in serum immunoglobulins was associated with greater clinical response.
Interleukin (IL)-34 is a hematopoietic cytokine promoting proliferation and differentiation of macrophages. Because abnormal activation of macrophages is involved in the development of systemic sclerosis (SSc), we investigated serum IL-34 levels in patients with SSc. Serum IL-34 levels were significantly increased in diffuse cutaneous SSc compared with limited cutaneous SSc and healthy controls, while there were no significant differences between limited cutaneous SSc and healthy controls. In ad
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid with multiple pharmacological properties. Cannabidiol has attracted growing attention in the cosmetic industry, with an increasing number of CBD-containing skincare products on the market in recent years. The aim of this review is to evaluate the current evidence on the use of CBD for cosmetic purposes. Following an overview of CBD and the endocannabinoid system in the skin, we summarize pre-clinical and clinical studies that address the potent
The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. The data presented in this manuscript are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
In recent years, the medical use of cannabinoids has attracted growing attention worldwide. In particular, anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids led to their emergence as potential therapeutic options for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Recent studies have also shown that cannabinoid receptors are widely expressed and have endogenous ligands in the skin, suggesting that the skin has its own endocannabinoid system. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential therapeutic effec
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem fibrotic disorder with autoimmune background. Accumulating evidence has highlighted the importance of T helper (Th) 2 cells in the pathogenesis of SSc and its complications. Because thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) is a potent chemoattractant for Th2 cells, we measured serum TARC levels in SSc patients and analyzed their correlation with interstitial lung disease (ILD), a major complication of SSc. Serum TARC levels were significantly ele
Even slight elevations in serum CRP levels are associated with the improvement in ppFVC and may serve as predictors of rituximab efficacy in SSc-ILD.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) and cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) are distinct clinical entities belonging to the autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, respectively. The coexistence of the two entities has rarely been reported and is poorly characterized. Here, we described a case of a 38-year-old Japanese woman diagnosed with anti-centromere antibody-positive SSc and CAPS carrying the pathogenic mutation in the NLRP3 gene, with a detailed autoantibody profile by a high-throughput c
Journal Article Corrected proof Anti-Mi-2 antibody–positive dermatomyositis following Spirulina intake Get access Ai Kuzumi, Ai Kuzumi Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Ayumi Yoshizaki, Ayumi Yoshizaki Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, JapanDepartment of Clinical Cannabinoid Research, University of Tokyo Graduate S
These data suggest that IL-34 may be involved in the development of RP-ILD in anti-MDA5 antibody-positive DM. Serum IL-34 levels can serve as a potential biomarker for RP-ILD in this clinical entity.
Open papers in the app to read, cite, and organize with AI.
