Stage-specific actions of Eomesodermin during acute infection, memory formation and memory response in CD8 T cells

• Applicant: Dr. Yakup Tanriver
• Subject Area: Immunology ; Medical Microbiology and Mycology, Hygiene, Molecular Infection Biology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 540835245

The overall goal of this project will be to comprehensively decipher the specific and redundant functions of Eomes in CD8 T cells during acute and memory response. To achieve this goal at maximum resolution we will utilize novel mouse models in combination with established ones, which we will deploy with a diverse array of cellular and molecular read-outs. Initially we aim for quantification and modeling of the early parameters that govern Eomes expression in CD8 T cells in a quantitative model. To do this we will gauge and model the effects of CD8 T cell precursor numbers, antigen affinity in combination with inflammation, infection dose and type of pathogen. This set of data will be combined with immunofluorescence imaging to precisely map the location of Eomes expressing CD8 T cells during early and late stages. Next, we will trace the fate of Eomes expressing cells during early and late stages after acute viral infections. We will compare phenotype and function of Eomes expressing CD8 T cells before and after rechallenge. Finally, we will conditionally delete Eomes to assess its role in Eomes expressing CD8 T cells during memory formation and rechallenge. In our last aim we will disentangle the roles of Eomes and its paralog T-bet during acute infections on a genetic level. Furthermore, we will assess the impact of an early and uniform expression of Eomes on memory formation and re-challenge in CD8 T cells.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants