Mechanism of DCs Dysfunction in Chronic HBV Infection

This research is to better understand the functional impairments of Dendritic cells (DCs) in chronic HBV infection. Aim is to determine if the virus is able to bind to the C-type lectin receptor (CLRs) of DCs to modulate their functions, also, to define the role of viral components and the molecular mechanisms of DCs modulation by HBV. This project should provide a better understanding of the mechanisms by which the immune response is altered by HBV and the immunological control of the infection, and thus propose new immunotherapeutic strategies based on the restoration of DC functions by releasing of virally-induced inhibitions, compromising the infection chronicity