To make sure only infected cells are eliminated, killer T cells have to be able to distinguish between healthy and infected cells. At all times, every cell displays antigens on their surface by major histocompatibility class I molecules (MHC-I). These antigens represent the composition of the cell and also communicate a cell’s ‘health status’. CD8 T cells are able to detect antigens bound to MHC-I with their specific T cell receptor (TCR). If this happens, infected cells can be recognized and get killed. However, CD8 T cell activation is a complex mechanism requiring costimulatory signals. The quality and magnitude of the T cell response (and the entire adaptive response) are highly dependent on signals derived from dendritic cells. Dendritic cells are also able to present antigens originating from other cells or cell debris by a mechanism called cross-presentation. This is an important link between the innate and adaptive immunity and creates a substantial checkpoint in the immune response against viruses.

In our group, we are looking into these 3 main components of the immune system:

1) the role of dendritic cells as first line of defense,

2) the influence of T cell activation and proliferation on viral clearance and patient survival and

3) the relevance of cross-presentation in the context of a Lassa virus infection

in order to better understand the pathogenesis of the virus as an important step in gaining knowledge for better patient care.