Function of lipid droplets in replication and pathogenesis of neurotropic flaviviruses (B10*)

• Subject Area: Virology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 197785619

Viruses rely on host cell lipid metabolism for efficient replication and persistence. Lipid droplets are central hubs of lipid metabolic pathways. The proposed project will investigate how human pathogenic neurotropic flaviviruses West Nile-, Zika-, and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) interact with the complex lipid metabolism of brain cells. We will analyze and characterize the interaction with and dependency on lipid droplets during infection and pathogenesis in cell culture systems and organoids.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1021: RNA Viruses: RNA Metabolism, Host Response and Pathogenesis
• Applicant Institution: Philipps-Universität Marburg
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Eva Herker