Project Details
Projekt
Cure of chronic hepatitis C - Long-term effects on HCV-specific and heterologous immune responses (A05)
Subject Area
Virology
Term
from 2010 to 2022
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 158989968
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
Applicant Institution
Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
Project Heads
Professor Dr. Markus Cornberg, since 7/2014; Professor Dr. Heiner Wedemeyer; Dr. Benno Wölk, until 6/2014
