The Effect of HIV Tat Protein on HCV Replication in an In-vitro Model System

The Effect of HIV Tat Protein on HCV Replication in an In-vitro Model System.

Investigators in the Division of Infectious Diseases and the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of The George Washington University Medical Center are carrying out a research study to determine why patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection (HIV/HCV) have a more rapid and progressive course of HCV infection, leading to fatty infiltration of the liver and cirrhosis.

Samples will be collected from 4 groups of patients with HIV/HCV infection, identified by the virologic control of either HIV, HCV, or both. Sera will be used in an in-vitro hepatocyte model of hepatitis C infection to better understand the pathogenesis of HIV/HCV co-infection, and to gain insight into intracellular mechanisms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Meets one of the following criteria:

  1. detectable HIV RNA and detectable HCV RNA
  2. undetectable HIV RNA (treated) and detectable HCV RNA
  3. undetectable HIV RNA (treated) and undetectable HCV RNA
  4. undetectable HCV RNA (mono-infected)
  5. detectable HCV RNA (mono-infected)
  6. detectable HIV RNA (mono-infected)

Participants will be men and women, ages 18 and older, and who are patients being seen in the clinics of the Medical Faculty Associates, and meet the above criteria.

Exclusion Criteria:

• None