Viral hepatitis
More than 500 million people worldwide suffer from infection with
hepatitis B or C viruses. Viral infection of the liver may lead to
liver damage and, when chronic, to liver cirrhosis with an increased
risk of liver cancer.
Link:
Clinical studies Basic research: Petersen labI
mmune response to HIV and Hepatitis C virus co-infection Co-infection
of HIV with Hepatitis C is frequently diagnosed and occurs in an
estimated 30% of HIV infected individuals bearing potential for
accelerated disease progression mainly due sequelae of chronic liver
disease and liver fibrosis. Modern pharmacotherapy has led to a
significant improvement of morbidity and mortality but often lacks
substantial benefit in several individuals. In HCV and HIV co-infected
individuals magnitude of cytotoxic CD8 is clearly dependent of CD4 cell
status. We aim to analyse the response of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and
T-helper lymphocytes to autologous HIV and HCV epitopes in co-infected
individuals from acute to chronic infection. Sensitive immunologic
assays will be used to perfom a detailed characterization of potential
autologous epitopes. Main goal of this analysis is to explore the
differences of immune response in individuals with distinct disease
outcomes.
Link:
Basic research Zoufaly / van Lunzen
