Understanding the molecular mechanisms of polyamines in regulating regulatory T cell functional polarization in chronic infections and in tumors (01)

• Subject Area: Immunology ; Dermatology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 318346496

Project 01 investigates how polyamine metabolism and CK2β kinase activity influence the functional polarization of regulatory T (TREG) cells in tumors and chronic viral infections. Preliminary findings suggest that polyamine-rich environments in tumors and chronically infected tissues promote immunosuppressive TREG phenotypes, while polyamine deprivation or CK2β in-hibition shifts TREG cells toward a tissue-reparative, type 2 immune-promoting state that enhances cytotoxic T cell function. The research will dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying this reprogramming, focusing on transcriptional and phosphoproteomic regulation. Using tumor and viral infection models, the project aims to identify key pathways and cell interactions driving TREG-mediated immune modulation, opening new avenues for cancer and antiviral therapies.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1292: Targeting convergent mechanisms of inefficient immunity in tumors and chronic infections
• Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Tobias Bopp