The role of infected hepatocytes in regulating intrahepatic immunity (B05)

• Subject Area: Virology ; Gastroenterology ; Immunology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 530990199

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is further aggravated by superinfection with hepatitis delta virus. The underlying mechanisms for this most severe form of chronic hepatitis and the role of infected hepatocytes in triggering inflammation remain unclear. We hypothesise that virus-mediated functional alterations of the hepatocytes play a key role in regulating cell-to-cell communication and immune responses, thereby determining the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis. Using humanised mice and patient liver biopsies, we aim to characterise virus-mediated reprogramming of hepatocytes and immune cells and to determine the impact of therapies on hepatocyte dysfunction.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1700: Immune regulation in the liver: from homeostasis to disease
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Maura Dandri