Hepatitis | HIV | Current projects
Long-term persistence of HIV in the liver and the clinical impact on HIV-HBV co-infection (CHHANEL)
This project will address a major question in HIV cure research - the role of the liver as an HIV reservoir and the impact of HIV persistence in HIV-infected patients on suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) on liver disease, in the setting of HIV-HBV co-infection. We are testing a novel hypothesis that persistent HIV in patients on ART drives HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) production and adverse liver outcomes. We will investigate the sites of HIV persistence in the liver using liver and blood samples; and then use a novel in vitro model of HIV-HBV co-infection to define the mechanism of this interaction. Finally, in a clinical trial we will test the impact of treatment intensification on HIV persistence and HBsAg production in the liver. Recruitment for this study is only occurring in Bangkok, Thailand.
Principal Investigator
Prof Sharon Lewin
+61 3 8344 3159
sharon.lewin@unimelb.edu.au