The role of PHF11 in CD8+ T cell responses

Crosstalk between innate and adaptive immune responses is important to ensure effective host responses while reducing collateral pathology. Antiviral cytokines like type I interferons (IFN) are known to modulate adaptive T cells. Yet, we still lack a comprehensive understanding about how exactly IFN signalling is shaping T cell function in chronic infections and malignant diseases. Based on our preliminary data, we hypothesize that the IFN-stimulated gene Phf11 is a novel mediator influencing effective T cell responses. In this project we aim to investigate the function of this gene in various phases of the T cell response by genetic approaches using well-established disease models for acute and chronic viral infections coupled to integrated molecular, cellular and physiological readouts. We anticipate the gene Phf11 to promise new insights into the tightly controlled immunoregulatory mechanisms at the junction of innate and adaptive immunity.