Cytolytic CD4 T cells: Defining potential strategies for therapeutic HIV vaccines (C08 [B09])

• Subject Area: Virology
• Term: Funded in 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 47100475

The PI of project C8 will study the role of cytotoxic CD4+ T cells in restricting the HIV reservoir. Lymph nodes harbor large numbers of HIV-infected cells that are not accessible for cytotoxic T cells. However, PI Streeck will harness the ability and properties of T follicular helper cells to migrate into lymph nodes. Induction of a cytotoxic program in T follicular helper cells will therefore allow these cells to recognize and kill virus-infected cells in this microanatomic location. The aim of the project is to determine under which conditions the induction of follicular T cells with cytolytic properties occurs and if different vaccination concepts can induce such cells in vitro and in vivo.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 60: Mutual Interaction of Viruses with Cells of the Immune System: From Fundamental Research to Immunotherapy and Vaccination
• Applicant Institution: Universität Duisburg-Essen
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Hendrik Streeck