Natural Killer cells are a central component of the early immune responses against viruses, but their role in viral hepatitis and liver inflammation remains unclear. We will test the hypothesis that NK cell diversity determines the clinical course of HCV infection, influencing the extent of liver inflammation. NK cell diversity will be characterized by multiparameter flow cytometry in peripheral blood and intrahepatic compartments of HCV-infected individuals with different disease outcome. Protective NK cells will be subjected to further in-depth analysis on the single cell level and functional in vitro quantification of their antiviral activity.
DFG Programme
Collaborative Research Centres
