Chronic viral infections lead to exhaustion of immune responses which may not only affect virus-specific T cell responses but also immunity to unrelated pathogens or even tumor antigens. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can be regarded as a model infection to study the effects of persistent viremia and viral elimination on the human immune system. Based on findings obtained in the previous funding periods we hypothesize that full restoration of HCV-specific and heterologous immunity may only be achieved several years after viral clearance which will be investigated in peripheral blood and liver samples. These studies can be of clinical relevance in case of HCV-re-exposure, for surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma and for resolution of extrahepatic morbidity.
DFG Programme
Collaborative Research Centres
