Inhibition of hepatitis C virus by nucleic acid-based antiviral approaches

Michael Frese, Ralf Bartenschlager

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookChapterpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Persistent infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of acute and chronic liver disease and frequently leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current treatment is based on a combination therapy with polyethylene glycol-conjugated interferon-alpha and ribavirin, but efficacy is limited and treatment is associated with severe side-effects. More efficient and selective drugs are therefore needed. Apart from small molecule inhibitors targeting the viral key enzymes, especially the NS3 proteinase and the NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, nucleic acid (NA)-based antiviral intervention is an attractive option. Originally, antisense oligo- nucleotides and ribozymes targeting highly conserved regions in the HCV genome have been developed. More recently, short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were shown to potently block HCV RNA replication in cell culture. However, the high degree of sequence diversity between different HCV genotypes, the rapid evolution of quasispecies and the delivery of antivirally active NAs are challenging problems of NA-based therapies. Here, we will review the current state of NA-based approaches designed to interfere with HCV replication
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNew Concepts of Antiviral Therapy
EditorsAndreas Holzenburg, Elke Bogner
Place of PublicationUnited States
PublisherSpringer
Chapter1.3
Pages47-86
Number of pages40
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9780387310473
ISBN (Print)9780387310466
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes

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