Virus-induzierte regulatorische T Zellen in retroviralen Infektionen: Neue Ziele für die Immuntherapie von chronischen Infektionen (B04)

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

In this project the role of Tregs in chronic retroviral infection was investigated. The PIs showed that Tregs expand during the late phase of acute FV infection and subsequently suppressed cytotoxic T cell responses and contributed to the development of chronic infection. They defined several molecular pathways that are involved in the activation and expansion of Tregs. This knowledge will be used to therapeutically block Treg expansion and prevent effector T cell exhaustion. In addition, the interaction of Tregs, CTL and their virus-infected targets will be imaged in the living mouse using intravital 2-photon microscopy. Furthermore, therapeutic vaccines that can overcome Treg mediated suppression during chronic infection will be developed.

• 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: Privatdozentin Dr. Wibke Bayer; Professor Dr. Ulf Dittmer; Professor Dr. Matthias Gunzer; Dr. Gennadiy Zelinskyy, until 12/2013