Targeting of antigen to phosphatidylserine strongly enhances B cell responses

• Applicant: Dr. Jan Kranich
• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 533483465

By adding a PS-binding domain to antigens, we achieve a very rapid and efficient targeting of these antigens to the B-cell follicle. The antigen accumulates there around follicular dendritic cells to such an extent that it is easily detectable by immunofluorescence microscopy just twelve hours after intravenous administration. When these antigens are used for immunization, they lead to significantly stronger germinal center and antibody responses than conventional antigens without phosphatidylserine binding domains. The aim of this application is to investigate whether the quality of the antibody response is also improved. We want to study this by looking at the number of mutations that occur during affinity maturation in the variable region of the B cell receptor. We also want to test whether this type of antigen improves the generation of neutralizing antibodies against difficult antigens, such as the LCMV glycoprotein GP1. To more easily study the mechanisms of how PS-targeting antigens enhance B-cell responses, we also want to develop a phosphatidylserine-antigen coupling platform that allows rapid and inexpensive production of different antigens with phosphatidylserine binding domains.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants