Role of TMPRSS2 proteolysis in SARS-CoV-2 spread in cells of the respiratory tract and in vivo
Project leader: Prof. Dr. Luka Čičin-Šain
Key area
- Pathophysiology: immunmodulation and immune control
Who is involved?
- Prof. Dr. Luka Čičin-Šain (Project leader, HZI)
- Prof. Dr. Stefan Pöhlmann (DPZ)
- Prof. Dr. Martin Ulrich (MHH)
- Prof. Dr. Armin Braun (Fraunhofer ITEM)
What is the aim?
The aim of the project is to determine the role of TMPRSS2 proteolysis in regulating the spread and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 variants in the infected host, both in mouse models and in rhesus macaques. In addition, we aim to determine whether TMPRSS2 inhibitor combinations exhibit enhanced antiviral activity and prevent potential resistance development. The third objective is to clarify whether inhibition of the antiviral restriction factors IFITM2/IFITM3 enables viral spread and pathogenesis in the absence of TMPRSS2.