Grant: Project Grant

Viruses affect their host cells in many ways, some of which result in the death of the infected cell. Our recent research findings showed that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) could cause a relatively newly discovered form of cell death that stimulates inflammation, which can contribute to disease progression and severity, as well as the potential development of liver cancer. The goal of this current research proposal is to understand how viruses such as HCV cause multiple forms of cell death in virus-infected tissue. To date all of this work has been performed using laboratory strains of virus and cultured cells, but it remains to be determined whether or not viruses can cause these multiple forms of cell death in virus-infected animals and humans. Through key local collaborations and with other Canadian universities, we plan to directly test whether our lab-based findings translate to individuals infected with HCV.