Kyushu University · Medicine
Professor Masahiro Ayano's research lab focuses on the immunological mechanisms underlying systemic autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). The lab investigates complement system involvement, T cell and B cell pathogenesis, and novel biomarkers such as CD226+ immune cells to improve disease diagnosis, activity assessment, and treatment monitoring. A key research direction involves evaluating the efficacy and safety of immunomodulatory therapies, including hydroxychloroquine and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with an emphasis on personalized treatment strategies.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease of immune complex deposition; therefore, complement plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of SLE. In general, complement levels in blood and complement deposition in histological tests are used for the management of SLE. Thus, the evaluation of complement status can be useful in the diagnosis of SLE, assessment of disease activity, and prediction of treatment response and prognosis. In addition, novel complement biomarkers, such as split products
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular damage and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Because activated and oligoclonally expanded CD8(+) T cells can be detected in peripheral blood and lungs of SSc patients, effector memory CD8(+) T cells may play a critical role for organ involvement in SSc; however, the pathogenic functions of effector memory CD8(+) T cells remain incompletely understood. In this study, we performed DNA microarray analysis of the sor
CD34-selected auto-HSCT may produce favourable effects on improvement of skin sclerosis and pulmonary function compared with unmanipulated auto-HSCT. Use of CD34-selected auto-HSCT with high-dose cyclophosphamide monotherapy as a conditioning regimen may offer an excellent benefit-to-risk balance.
Increased proportion of CD226<sup>+</sup> B cells was associated with disease activity and prognosis of SLE. CD226<sup>+</sup> B cells may be a useful biomarker for the management of SLE.
There was no evidence for a difference between the two groups in terms of discontinuation rates, efficacy, and safety. To provide further evidence, future studies using more precise dose-escalation protocols are warranted.
MZR is as effective as MMF in controlling SLE activity. The adverse events of MZR, whose profile differs from MMF, are comparable to or less than those of MMF. MZR may be a valuable option as an immunosuppressive agent for SLE, as well as MMF.
The efficacy and safety of an add-on treatment with HCQ are similar to those with TAC. Patients with persistently active SLE can benefit from HCQ in efforts to achieve at least low disease activity.
Biological agents were used preferentially, and the therapeutic agents were appropriately effective and mostly achieved the purpose of agent initiation.
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