Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has emerged as one of the most significant human viral pathogens infecting an estimated 200 million individuals worldwide. Up to 85% of those are chronically infected and develop extensive liver damage including cirrhosis resulting in liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma. There is no available protective vaccine for HCV infection and more than 50% of infected individuals fail to respond to current therapeutic regimens. Consequently there is an urgent need for better drug treatments or, ideally, an effective vaccine, to alleviate the enormous burden of HCV infection on global healthcare. We are studying the effects of host genetics on outcome of infection and identifying correlates of protection – this information will inform the development of effective vaccines. Further, we are assessing new molecular targets of the virus that will influence development of HCV therapeutics. We collaborate with partners in Academia and Industry and have secured funding from the Medical Research Council.