Project Details
Projekt
From genotype to phenotype: Towards a better understanding of hepatitis E virus tropism and chronic infection (22)
Subject Area
Virology
Immunology
Immunology
Term
since 2020
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 272983813
The nature of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections varies depending on the genotype. We found that the HEV capsid is critical for evading the innate immune response, thus promoting persistent infections in hepatocytes. As our studies have so far focused on a zoonotic HEV-3 strain, we now want to perform a comparative analysis of HEV-3 with HEV-1 biology. To achieve this, we plan to establish a molecular HEV-1 clone that will serve as the basis for comparing the innate immune response induced by HEV-3 infections using two approaches: First, human pluripotent stem cell-derived co-culture systems that integrate innate immune cells; second, comparing HEV-induced responses in both human and porcine stem cell-derived hepatocytes. We expect to gain a deeper understanding of HEV tropism and chronic infection.
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 Heads
Professor Dr. Steeve Boulant, until 12/2021; Viet Loan Dao Thi, Ph.D.
