The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute, virus-related liver inflammation (viral hepatitis). No vaccines against HEV have been approved in Europe. Current treatments are non-specific, have severe side effects and can cause resistance. In order to cause an infection, HEV must introduce its genetic material into a host cell. This step is crucial for the replication of the virus and could be a promsing target for new drugs. However, little is known about how HEV enters the cells. A protein called PIKfyve, which plays an important role in the uptake of substances into the cell, could be of crucial importance here. The aim of this project is to better understand how HEV enters cells and what role PIKfyve plays in this process. This could lead to new, more effective treatment options against HEV.

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