The impact of hepatitis C virus on human B cells and its role in B cell lymphoproliferative disorders (A02)

• Subject Area: Virology
• Term: from 2009 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 47100475

As a first aim, we want to characterize the occurrence and characteristics of monoclonal B cell expansions in HCV patients (monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and mixed cryoblobulinema) without lymphomas. This includes determination of the specific B cell subsets that give rise to MBL and determination by deep sequencing of isolated clones whether they already carry genetic lesions and hence represent pre-malignant B cells. Secondly, we aim to determine the landscape of somatic mutations in HCV-associated B cell lymphomas to clarify whether such tumors have a specific, HCV-related pathogenesis. Thirdly, we will study the direct influences of HCV on B cells in culture in terms of signaling pathway activations and altered gene expression to reveal the mechanisms by which HCV affects B cell fate and physiology.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 60: Mutual Interaction of Viruses with Cells of the Immune System: From Fundamental Research to Immunotherapy and Vaccination
• Applicant Institution: Universität Duisburg-Essen
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Jan Dürig; Professor Dr. Ralf Küppers