Immune modulation and colonization of sensory ganglia by alphaherpesviruses (B09)

• Subject Area: Virology
• Term: from 2014 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 158989968

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), HSV-2 and varicella zoster virus establish latency in neurons of the peripheral nervous system. The outcome of infection depends on the modulation of the host immune system and the colonization of neurons. We have shown that these viruses express viral chemokine binding proteins (vCKBP) that enhance chemokine activity. Moreover, HSV-2 vCKBP enhances the activity of nerve growth factor. We will investigate the relevance of these activities in virus spread, pathogenesis and infection of neurons. Our results will provide information on viral immune and neuromodulation and on novel therapeutic strategies.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 900: Chronic Infections: Microbial Persistence and its Control
• Applicant Institution: Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Abel Viejo-Borbolla