How alcohol affects the immune response in hepatitis B patients
Official title: Alcohol Promotes Hepatitis B Progression by Impairment of Innate Immunity in Liver Cells
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11014454 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol might make it harder for your body to fight off hepatitis B in your liver, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how alcohol affects this virus and liver health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | February 28, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $241,763 |
| NIH project number | 5P50AA030407-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014454 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic hepatitis B infection who also have a history of alcohol consumption.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have hepatitis B or do not consume alcohol are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to alcohol and its metabolites impacts the immune system's ability to fight hepatitis B virus (HBV) in liver cells. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which alcohol consumption increases HBV infection rates and liver damage, despite the availability of vaccines. Researchers will examine the role of macrophages and interferon responses in liver cells, focusing on how alcohol and dietary factors may worsen the disease. By exploring these interactions, the research seeks to uncover new insights into the progression of hepatitis B in individuals who consume alcohol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for hepatitis B patients who consume alcohol, potentially reducing liver damage and improving health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding the interplay between alcohol and viral infections can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Osna, Natalia Aleksandr — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Osna, Natalia Aleksandr
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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HBV cure clues in people with and without HIV
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HBV cure factors in people with and without HIV
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HBV prevention in community pharmacies: a first step in a low-resource setting
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Blood markers to catch early liver cancer in Hispanic people with hepatitis B
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Early blood markers to find hepatitis B–related liver cancer in Hispanics
This project will use immune-related blood markers to find liver cancer earlier in people with chronic hepatitis B, focusing on Hispanic adults.
-
HBV safety with long-acting HIV therapy for people with HIV
A study to understand how long-acting HIV meds affect hepatitis B in people living with HIV and how to best monitor and protect them.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.