Virions of hepatitis B virus (HBV) are subject to a slow maturation mechanism rendering them infectious. We will elucidate this critical step in the viral life-cycle on an ultrastructural level by use of cryo-electron microscopy and NMR techniques aiming at subnanometer resolution. In order to explore new targets for curative therapies, we will identify host factors triggering virion maturation and screen small molecule libraries for compounds that inhibit this process. Finally, we will use in situ imaging of the intracellular steps of the HBV life-cycle to describe the morphogenetic pathways and their role in establishing persistent infections.
DFG Programme
CRC/Transregios
