Project

Inhibition and activation of Natural Killer (NK) cells by alphaherpesviruses

Code
3G017615
Duration
01 January 2015 → 31 December 2020
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Animal immunology
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Innate immunity
    • Virology
Keywords
herpesvirus herpes simplex NK cells natural killer pseudorabies
 
Project description

Deficiencies in Natural Killer (NK) cells, central cells in the innate immune response, are associated with severely aggravated herpesvirus disease. NK cell activity is regulated by a complex balance of activating/inhibitory signals. We have recently identified three herpesvirus proteins (gB, gD and US3) that modulate this balance. In the current project, we will identify the mechanism underlying this modulation.