Virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses in hepatitis B virus/ hepatitis D virus co-infection: mechanisms of failure and strategies for restoration (02)

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

Based on the identification of HDV-specific CD8+ T cell epitopes achieved during the first funding period, we will now study the mechanisms of HDV- as well as HBV-specific CD8+ T cell failure in persistent HBV/HDV co-infection. These analyses will include low input/single cell RNAseq, metabolic studies as well as high-dimensional cytometry analyses. In addition, strategies to restore T cell function will be tested, including checkpoint inhibition, addition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and TCR re-direction. Finally, we will take advantage of novel antiviral therapies for HBV/HDV co-infection and analyze the effect of antigen removal on virus-specific CD8+ T cells in HBV/HDV co-infection.

• 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 Head: Professor Dr. Christoph Neumann-Haefelin