Protzer Lab
Our scientific interest is to better understand the interaction of hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) virus with their host and to develop new therapeutic strategies to treat chronic viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Our scientific interest is to better understand the interaction of hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) virus with their host and to develop new therapeutic strategies to treat chronic viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
About our Research
The main focus of our group is to understand in molecular detail the interaction of HBV with its host and its host cell, the hepatocyte. Hereby, we investigate which cellular pathways are involved in the control of HBV replication, which viral proteins may counteract them and how HBV is activated or inactivated by immune mediators and metabolites. In addition, we use the advanced understanding of HBV molecular biology for developing targeted antiviral strategies. Based on thorough analyses of immune responses, we design novel immunotherapies, test them in the preclinical mouse models we have established and promote preclinical development of the most promising ones.