Study of direct cell-to-cell transfer of hepatitis C virus and evaluation of new antiviral strategies

End-stage liver disease caused by chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the major indication for liver transplantation in the Western world. Unfortunately, almost immediately after transplantation the circulating viruses will infect the donor liver resulting in destruction of the grafted organ within 5 years. In this project we will explore new strateies to prevent the transmission of this virus.