The Role of Dendritic Cells in Hepatitis C Infection
The Role of Dendritic Cells in Hepatitis C Infection
The role of the dendritic cells, the most potent antigen presenting cells, in the
 establishment of chronic hepatitis C is not established. The study aims to define whether the
 dendritic cells are affected by the hepatitis C virus and whether that bears an impact on the
 antiviral immune response they generate. The hypothesis is explored by investigating a group
 of patients prior to and after the initiation of standard treatment for hepatitis C with
 pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  anti-HCV positive

 -  HCV RNA positive

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  contraindications for antiviral treatment

 -  concurrent chronic viral infections