The advent of antiretroviral therapy and availability of many generic versions of ARVs in India has substantially impacted the natural history of HIV infection in this country. However, the management of HBV and HCV co-infections has become more complex given the cost and availability of antiviral therapy. Moreover, there are no guidelines for screening, management and diagnosis of HBV and HCV-associated complications in India. There have been significant developments in both at the bench and bedside in the areas of immunology, virology, management, genetics and biomarker research in Hepatitis and HIV infections. Recent data have revolutionized the screening and management processes for Hepatitis co-morbidities in HIV-infected subjects, such as the use of triphasic CT scans as a screening modality for hepatomas, combination radio ablation therapy along with novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors for treatment of hepatomas, development of Pegylated interferons and oral protease inhibitors for treatment of HCV, etc. Optimization of these novel methodologies to HIV-infected Hepatitis patients in India is a challenging task. In this regard, the Laboratory of Immunoregulation has partnered with The Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) at New Delhi, India, as the premier organization for liver and biliary research and management of Hepatitis. The major theme of the Laboratory of Immunoregulation (LIR) continues to be the elucidation of cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the human immune response in health and disease. A major component of these efforts is the study of the immunopathogenic mechanisms of HIV infection and disease progression (http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/labs/aboutlabs/lir). ILBS is a premier autonomous institution under Delhi Government, dedicated to the excellence in patient care, teaching and research in liver and biliary diseases. LIR-ILBS collaboration has resulted in exchange of post-doctoral students and senior scientists, several abstracts at major International meetings and publication sin peer-reviewed journals. This collaboration presents us with a unique oppportunity to highlight the need for enhancing, training and development of science in the area of Hepatitis and HIV co-infection in India.
Goals and objectives
Develop training program for junior scientists and students in the area of Hepatitis and HIV.
Identify areas of high impact research in India
Discuss the development of Hepatitis/HIV research networks that can facilitate collaborative research locally and internationally
Develop high impact research program in liver and biliary cancers leading to the genesis of new areas of research.
Introduce clinical investigators in India from the field of gastroenterology and hepatology to important aspects of cancer biology
Generate interest in junior investigators in the area of hepatitis research
Anticipated Output and Results:
Develop uniform management strategies for HIV co-morbidities in India.
Establish collaborative research networks within institutes in India.
Provide opportunities for training of clinical and postdoctoral trainees.
Work toward development of centers of excellence in the management of hepatitis in the HIV-infected patient in India.
Establish a nation-wide research strategy for screening, diagnosis, and management of hepatocellular carcinomas in HIV-infected patients in India.
Enhance awareness of the magnitude of Hepatitis co-infection in HIV-infected individuals in India.
Augment collaborative research in the area of Hepatitis and HIV infection between the Laboratory of Immunoregulation and young investigators in India.
