Modulierung spezifischer T Zellantworten gegen das Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) durch PRRs (TLR2 und -13) und PRR Detektion der HBV Infektion (B05)

• Subject Area: Virology
• Term: from 2009 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 47100475

Project focuses on the role of TLR2 in HBV sensing and TLR2 ligand driven HBV-specific T cell responses. TLR2 ligands activate LSECs in the liver to promote local T cell responses against HBV. The resultant intrahepatic T cell response efficiently mediates HBV clearance in mouse models. The PIs will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying TLR2-mediated activation of HBV-specific T cells and how their function and survival can be optimized in the hepatic environment. This will be tested in animal models (mouse, woodchuck) and patient samples from HBV-infected individuals. They will also analyze whether myristoylated HBsAg is a TLR2 ligand operative during HBV infection. The mechanisms underlying HBsAg driven intrahepatic Treg responses, will be analyzed in mouse models of chronic HBV infection.

• 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. Carsten Jürgen Kirschning; Professor Dr. Mengji Lu