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

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

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) regulate fundamental cellular processes and are highly activated in human cancers. They are therefore the target of various cancer therapeutics. However, effective killing of cancer cells also requires an efficient immune response against the cancer. In this proposal, we aim to investigate the role of oncogenic MAPKs and their inhibitors in immune cell maturation and adaptive immune responses. We will then expand our studies to also analyze the effect of MAPK inhibitors in infections caused by RNA viruses e.g. chronic hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis D (HDV), and pandemic covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2).

• 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