Daigo Nakazawa

Aug 21, 2024 | nature.com | Daigo Nakazawa

AbstractCathepsin C (CatC) is an enzyme which regulates the maturation of neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs) essential for neutrophil activation. Activated neutrophils are key players in the innate immune system, and are also implicated in the etiology of various inflammatory diseases. This study aims to demonstrate a therapeutic potential for CatC inhibitors against disorders in which activated neutrophil-derived neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play a significant role.

Aug 10, 2023 | nature.com | Daigo Nakazawa |Masatoshi Kanda

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and severe complication of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) directly affects the glomerular and tubular epithelial cells to induce AKI; however, its pathophysiology remains unclear. Here, we explored the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic targets of renal involvement in COVID-19.

Feb 27, 2023 | nature.com | Kuniyuki Aso |Michihito Kono |Kodai Sakiyama |Daigo Nakazawa |Masaru Kato

AbstractDysregulation of Th17 and Treg cells contributes to the pathophysiology of many autoimmune diseases. Herein, we show that itaconate, an immunomodulatory metabolite, inhibits Th17 cell differentiation and promotes Treg cell differentiation by orchestrating metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming. Mechanistically, itaconate suppresses glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in Th17- and Treg-polarizing T cells.