Use of synthetic cytokine receptors against viral infection and cancer

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Jürgen Scheller; Dr. Haifeng Xu
• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 543849193

Synthetic Cytokine Receptors (SyCyRs) are fusion protein based on nanobodies (VHH, single domain antibodies) fused to transmembrane and intracellular domains of cytokine receptors. Receptor activation is controlled by synthetic homo- and heteromeric ligands, which will allow a comprehensive assessment of all possible combinations of IFN/IL-10 superfamily receptor complexes. Here, SyCyR-based receptor will be used to understand and model immune effectors for direct anti-viral and anti-tumor responses of T cells. We believe that this combinatory approach will uncover novel biological outcomes for synthetic antiviral and anti-tumor immunity.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants