SFB 455:  Viral Functions and Immunomodulation

Subject Area Medicine
Term from 1999 to 2010
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5483103
 

Project Description

This collaborative research centre focuses on various molecular, immunological and virological aspects which are of relevance in the area of gene therapy. Several projects concentrate on the development of viral vectors (herpesviruses, negative strand RNA viruses, adenovirus and parvovirus). The thrust is on potential vector properties of viruses which have not been used as vectors so far. Established vectors are modified, e.g. with regard to target cell tropism. The second area of interest is the analysis of immunological principles with the aim to modulate them on purpose. Subjects are T cells, NK cells, cell adhesion molecules and the subsequent signal cascade pathways. Immunological principles are not studied with the aim to achieve maximum responses but rather to understand the mechanistic principles for later control attempts.
The general aim is a targeted induction or suppression of immunological effects. Therefore, the viral vectors are not only developed for gene substitution, but also for immunization. The favoured fields of potential clinical applications are the disciplines of hematology and oncology.
DFG Programme Collaborative Research Centres

Completed projects

Applicant Institution Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Participating University Technische Universität München (TUM)
Participating Institution Helmholtz Zentrum München
Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt
; Klinikum der Universität München
Spokesperson Professor Dr. Ulrich H. Koszinowski