Signaling mechanisms regulating anti-tumor immunity and viral pathogenesis (05)

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

Our project broadly investigates the role of MAPK signaling in cancer, immune modulation and viral infections. In the last funding period, we uncovered key insights into MAPK pathway regulation including the identification of innovative molecules that simultaneously inhibit RAS-MAPK-eIF4A signaling axis, CDK4/6/NUAK1 inhibitors (“Multi kinase inhibitors”) as well as the atypical MAPK ERK3 in the regulation of metastasis and immune regulation. We also discovered a role for JNK signaling in viral replication (HEV; SARS-CoV-2) and identified novel receptors important in viral entry. Building on these findings, we hope to develop novel therapeutic strategies in both oncology and virology by leveraging MAPKtargeting approaches.

• 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 Heads: Professorin Dr. Sandra Ciesek; Professor Dr. Krishnaraj Rajalingam