MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research

Hepatitis C virus

Colocalisation (white) of viral RNA (green) and non-structural proteins (red) with the endoplasmic reticulum (blue) in hepatitis C infected cells.

Following a brief period of acute infection, hepatitis C virus (HCV) typically establishes a chronic infection in the liver that can ultimately lead to serious hepatic disease. Estimates from the World Health Organisation indicate that approximately 170 million people around the world are chronic carriers of the virus. Thus, HCV is a leading cause of liver disease, with an ever increasing burden on healthcare resources. Our programmes focus on the following areas:

  • structure-function analyses of viral glycoproteins and their role in virus entry and spread into target cells
  • contribution of host factors to HCV RNA replication and virion assembly, and the role of metabolic pathways and lipid storage organelles called lipid droplets
  • impact of HCV on innate and intrinsic defence mechanisms in infected cells and the effects of HCV on pathways related to metabolic disorders associated with chronic HCV infection
  • identification of viral and host determinants linked to the development of liver disease and the response to treatment in infected patients
  • development of novel vaccines and therapeutics.

A key part of the development of the CVR has been the creation of the Glasgow HCV Network, which links our programmes to clinical studies carried out by local clinicians and diagnostic services, healthcare professionals and mathematical modellers. The Glasgow HCV Network provides a vital interface between clinical and fundamental research to translate findings in basic research into benefits for patients. The CVR has also played a leading role in establishing HCV Research UK, a consortium that brings together major treatment centres for HCV across the UK and national agencies to create a national cohort of patients that provides information and specimens for clinical and basic research.