Project focuses on the role of TLR2 in HBV sensing and TLR2 ligand driven HBV-specific T cell responses. TLR2 ligands activate LSECs in the liver to promote local T cell responses against HBV. The resultant intrahepatic T cell response efficiently mediates HBV clearance in mouse models. The PIs will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying TLR2-mediated activation of HBV-specific T cells and how their function and survival can be optimized in the hepatic environment. This will be tested in animal models (mouse, woodchuck) and patient samples from HBV-infected individuals. They will also analyze whether myristoylated HBsAg is a TLR2 ligand operative during HBV infection. The mechanisms underlying HBsAg driven intrahepatic Treg responses, will be analyzed in mouse models of chronic HBV infection.
DFG Programme
CRC/Transregios
