Regulation of virus-specific CD4 T helper cell responses in viral hepatitis (04)

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

CD4 T cells are critical for antiviral immunity, aiding CD8 T cell function and B cell maturation. In the third funding phase, we propose to focus on virus-specific CD4 T cell responses in different viral hepatitis scenarios. First, we examine how these responses persist in the context of chronic hepatitis B and C. Second, we study early CD4 T cell formation during acute viral hepatitis and the subsequent development of CD4 T cell memory. In both scenarios we aim to identify those CD4 T cell populations that facilitate the maintenance of the CD4 T cell responses and their transcriptional signatures. Third, we propose to functionally validate these signatures in T cell-B cell interactions and after vaccination.

• 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. Tobias Böttler