HARC 011 - Dynamics of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection During Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV-1 in HCV/HIV-1 Co-Infected Individuals.  In collaboration with Dr. Ray Chung, of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, a pilot study has been initiated to explore the dynamics of HCV infection during highly active antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 in HCV/HIV-1 co-infected individuals.  In HCV-infected individuals who are uninfected with HIV-1, a low HCV RNA level is predictive of a good response to interferon-alpha therapy, whereas in individuals co-infected with HIV-1 and HCV, levels of HCV RNA are significantly higher.  It is postulated that effective treatment of HIV-1 with antiretroviral therapy may result in lower HCV RNA levels.  Utilizing banked sera on participants of Merck 019 and 033, ACTG 320 and WIHS, four HIV-1/HCV co-infected individuals have been identified from whom banked sera both before and after protease inhibitor therapy are available.  These sera will be analyzed for quantitative HCV RNA levels.  A concept proposal to further study this interaction between HIV-1 and HCV has also been accepted by the ACTG Complication Research Agenda Committee for concept development.

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