Control of hepatitis virus infection by the interferon system and by exploiting virus – host cell interactions (09)

• Subject Area: Virology ; Immunology
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 272983813

Hepatitis B, C and D viruses (HBV, HCV, HDV) can establish persistence, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We have studied the role of the intracellular RNA sensor LGP2 in controlling HDV and HCV infection. In addition, we identified host cell proteins associated with HBV virions and subviral particles (SVPs) and of relevance for the viral replication cycle. In the next funding period, we address two major objectives. First, the regulation of LGP2 regarding the induction of the interferon response. Second, the mechanism how HBV virion and SVP associated cell proteins promote viral replication and the lipidome of these particle types with the aim to identify potential drug targets.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 179: Determinants and dynamics of elimination versus persistence of hepatitis virus infection
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Ralf Friedrich Wilhelm Bartenschlager