Objective
Research objectives and content
The aim of the project is to investigate whether mutations affecting the CD4+ T helper epitopes of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core and envelope proteins result in viral escape and relapse following interferon-alpha treatment. The majority of patients with chronic hepatitis C who initially respond to interferon subsequently relapse and the reasons are not clear. Recent data show that a strong cellular immune response to HCV proteins is important for viral clearance. HCV displays a high mutation rate and the role of mutations in altering the immune response is not known. The study will focus on patients with chronic hepatitis C who relapse after interferon treatment The HCV core gene and the hypervariable region will be amplified from paired samples before and after treatment for each patient. Peptides spanning the immunodominant epitopes will be synthesised according to the HCV sequences obtained for the two time points. The proliferative response and cytokine release of CD4+ T helper cells will be investigated against the different peptides to test the hypothesis that emerging mutations aborgate the T cell response and contribute to viral persistence. Training content(objective,benefit and expected impact)
The proposed project will involve training in molecular and immunological techniques ( DNA sequencing, cell cultures and lymphoproliferation assays)and with the education programme of University College London will form an excellent foundation for a future academic career.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology virology
- medical and health sciences health sciences infectious diseases RNA viruses hepatitis C
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- medical and health sciences basic medicine immunology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
WC1E 6HX London
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.