Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
08:37
Induction of Murine Intestinal Inflammation by Adoptive Transfer of Effector CD4+CD45RBhigh T Cells into Immunodeficient Mice
Published on: April 21, 2015
Suppressing FUT8 with a Novel Small Molecule Inhibitor Ameliorates Inflammation in Murine T Cell-mediated Colitis
Akiko Asakura1, Shinichiro Shinzaki2, Yoshiyuki Manabe3
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Osaka, Osaka, Japan.
Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology
|August 14, 2026
Summary
A novel inhibitor targeting fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8) reduced inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) models. This therapeutic approach disrupts pro-inflammatory T-cell responses without apparent toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Glycobiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation.
- Current therapies for IBD are often ineffective for many patients.
- FUT8 (α-1,6-fucosyltransferase) is crucial for core fucosylation of N-glycans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of an orally available FUT8 inhibitor for IBD.
- To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of targeting FUT8 in preclinical models.
Main Methods:
- Assessed FUT8 inhibitor efficacy in TNBS-induced colitis and CD4+ T-cell adoptive transfer murine models.
- Evaluated inhibitor effects on T-cell signaling, cytokine production, and Th1/Th2/Th17 differentiation in vitro.
- Assessed in vivo safety and therapeutic effects in LckcreFut8fl/fl mice.
Main Results:
- Oral FUT8 inhibitor administration ameliorated colitis in murine models.
- Inhibition decreased T-cell core fucosylation, Th1/Th2 cytokine production, and T-cell differentiation.
- Therapeutic effects were confirmed to be T-cell mediated, with no observed hepatorenal toxicity.
Conclusions:
- FUT8 inhibition effectively reduces inflammation in experimental colitis models.
- Targeting FUT8 presents a novel therapeutic strategy for IBD by modulating T-cell responses.
- The FUT8 inhibitor demonstrated a favorable safety profile in preclinical studies.
