Immune Response to Hepatitis C Virus
| Status: | Archived |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | HIV / AIDS, Hepatitis |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Immunology / Infectious Diseases |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | Any |
| Updated: | 7/1/2011 |
Immunologic Determinants of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Resolution or Persistence
The purpose of the study is to investigate the immune response to hepatitis C virus to
determine why some people clear the virus and others develop chronic infection. Changes in
immune response once hepatitis C therapy is begun will also be examined. If patients are
also HIV+, the effect of antiretroviral therapy on the recovery of hepatitis C immunity will
be investigated.
We will analyze the peripheral (blood) and intrahepatic (liver) immune response in hepatitis
C infection in patients with clear hepatitis C infection and those who develop chronic
infection. We hope to determine immune responses that are important for eliminating the
infection. Currently, the treatments for hepatitis C are not effective for everyone. For
those patients enrolled who begin hepatitis C treatment, we will evaluate the immune system
of people who respond compared to those who do not respond. If the patient is HIV positive,
the change in hepatitis C immune response once various HIV medicines (antiretrovirals) are
started will also be examined. Any treatment for hepatitis C or HIV will be determined by
the patient's primary physician and will not be affected by enrollment in the study.
Blood samples of ~70 cc will be obtained no more than once per week. Patients who begin
hepatitis C therapy or antiretroviral therapy if HIV coinfected will provide serial
specimens for examination. Patients who undergo liver biopsy as a part of their routine
hepatitis care will provide a sample for further studies of the immune response to see if it
is different in the liver compared to the blood.
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