Projekt

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a small, positive-stranded RNA virus, which consists mainly of 4 genotypes pathogenic for humans belonging to the genus of Orthohepevirus A. It is the leading cause of acute virus-associated hepatitis in Germany and worldwide. Genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic infections with their main reservoir in swine resulting in high infection rates particularly in Germany of up to 420.000/year. Moreover, in addition to acute infections these genotypes can cause chronic infections in immunocompromised hosts contributing to high morbidity and mortality. Recently, another HEV strain from rats has shown it's potential to cross the species barrier and was detected in patients after organ transplantation. The importance of this potential medical threat for immunocompromised individuals is not fully understood. Importantly, no approved treatment for HEV is available. This project aims at identifying and evaluating pan-genotypic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the HEV capsid as therapeutic option. Utilizing recombinant soluble capsid proteins, the researchers will isolate HEV specific memory B-cells of convalescent patients. After Next Generation Sequencing of the corresponding B-cell receptors, antibody fragments will be synthesized and tested in vitro for their ability to bind and neutralize HEV viruses from different genotypes. The best candidates will be generated as full antibodies and their Fc-part optimized in order to enhance NK-cell mediated effector function. Finally, the team will provide strategies to evaluate this treatment option in a humanized animal model and to develop the product in a clinical program in collaboration with industrial partner.

• Dr. Patrick Behrendt

  TWINCORE
  Zentrum für Experimentelle und
  Klinische Infektionsforschung GmbH
  Experimentelle Virologie
  Translationale Virologie
  Hannover
  

• Prof. Dr. Heiner Wedemeyer

  Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
  Zentrum Innere Medizin
  Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und
  Endokrinologie
  Hannover
  

• Prof. Dr. Thomas Krey

  Universität zu Lübeck
  Institut für Biochemie
  Lübeck