Understanding how Hepatitis C affects the immune system long-term
Project 2: Durable impact of HCV on innate and adaptive immunity
This research explores how chronic Hepatitis C infection changes the body's defense system, even after the virus is gone, to find ways to restore immune health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11080937 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Chronic viral infections, like Hepatitis C, can leave lasting marks on our immune system, causing it to function differently even after the virus is cured. We know that these changes can create 'scars' in immune cells, leading to long-term issues. This work aims to understand how these permanent changes in immune cells affect the body's ability to fight off new infections or respond to vaccines. By studying people who have had chronic HCV, we hope to discover the specific pathways and cell types that can be targeted to reverse this long-lasting immune imbalance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for related future studies would be adults who have experienced chronic Hepatitis C infection, whether cured or still living with the virus.
Not a fit: Patients without a history of chronic viral infections, particularly Hepatitis C, would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help restore a healthy immune system in people who have recovered from chronic viral infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team and others has already shown that immune system changes can persist after chronic viral infections are cured, providing a foundation for this deeper exploration.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lauer, Georg Michael — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lauer, Georg Michael
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 below.