The role of neutralising antibodies in hepatitis C virus infection

丙型肝炎病毒是世界上大多数地区肝病的主要病原体。大多数新感染成为慢性感染，这些人发展为进行性肝病的风险很高。然而，少数人(20%)解决了他们的感染，并将丙型肝炎病毒清除到无法检测到的水平。我们感兴趣的是研究免疫参数，这些参数将这些人与病毒持续存在的人区分开来。我们将研究有可能结合病毒和防止肝脏内新细胞感染的抗体的作用。这项建议的研究结果与临床直接相关，将通过对当地媒体的采访和通过MRC网站向公众传播。

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major etiological agent of liver disease in most regions of the world. The majority of new infections become chronic and these individuals are at high risk for developing progressive liver disease. However, a minority of individuals (20%) resolve their infection and clear HCV to undetectable levels. We are interested in studying the immune parameters that distinguish these individuals from those where the virus persists. We will study the role of antibodies that have the potential to bind virus and prevent infection of new cells within the liver. Research findings from this proposal with immediate clinical relevance will be translated to the general public by interviews with the local press and through the MRC web site.