Immunmodulation of cytomegalovirus latency and reactivation by regulatory T cells and dendritic cells (14)

• Subject Area: Virology
• Term: from 2018 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 318346496

After bone marrow transplantation (BMT), cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections imperil the survival of transplant recipients as the immune response is not efficient in preventing morbidity and clearance of the virus. We plan to investigate the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs), of CD8 Tregs in particular, in suppression of protective CD8 T cells in response to murine CMV after BMT. Furthermore, we will study how dendritic cells (DCs) contribute to the generation and function of Tregs. An improved understanding of the role of Tregs and their interaction with DCs in the context of BMT and CMV infection is of fundamental importance for the development of cell-based therapeutic 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: Professor Dr. Björn Clausen; Professorin Dr. Rafaela Holtappels