RNA viruses induce heterologous immune protection from atopy and asthma (C04)

• Subject Area: Virology
• Term: since 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 197785619

We discovered that a prior influenza infection protects from allergen-induced experimental asthma via T cell-mediated heterologous immunity. We have now demonstrated cross-reactive responses between T cell epitopes derived also from other RNA viruses (RV, RSV, SARS-CoV-2) and allergens. Our hypothesis is that virus peptide immunization induces allergy protective responses via attenuation of T2 immunity. We shall next investigate whether virus peptide immunization may protect from experimental asthma, decipher airway immune signatures and assess potential effects of the seasonal influenza vaccine. Our results will lead to virus peptide vaccine candidates, which may also prevent atopic asthma.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1021: RNA Viruses: RNA Metabolism, Host Response and Pathogenesis
• Applicant Institution: Philipps-Universität Marburg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Harald Renz, until 6/2021; Professorin Dr. Chrysanthi Skevaki