Dynamics of anti-viral immunity against viral infection of the liver (13)

• Subject Area: Virology ; Immunology
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 272983813

Using sophisticated in vivo HBV infection models, we are able to trace adaptive immunity in real-time. With this, we have demonstrated that innate immunity stimulation is able to overcome dysfunctional CD8 T cells during chronic HBV infection and to restore anti-HBV immunity leading to clearance of the infection. Using single cell RNA sequencing, we identified a Tcf7+ progenitor cell population within the liver. Stimulation of these progenitor cells in a type I interferon dependent manner, leads to their proliferation and differentiation into effector cells eliminating HBV replicating hepatocytes. We now study in detail the intrahepatic localisation of those Tcf7+ progenitor cells and their functional properties.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 179: Determinants and dynamics of elimination versus persistence of hepatitis virus infection
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Vasilis Ntziachristos, until 6/2020; Privatdozent Dr. Dirk Wohlleber