Understanding the molecular targets for new therapeutical agents in hepatitis c infection.

Understanding the molecular targets for new therapeutical agents in hepatitis c infection. Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol. 2013 Jan-Mar;72(1):5-24 Authors: Vagu C, Sultana C, Ruţă S Abstract Improved understanding of the HCV viral life cycle has led to the identification of numerous potential molecular targets for the development of new drugs. Direct acting antivirals -DAAs specifically target a viral encoded protein: the NS3-4A protease, involved in the posttranslational viral protein processing; the NS5B encoded viral polymerase, that conducts the nucleic acid replication and the NS5A encoded phosphoprotein, that participates in both replication and virus assembly. Host-targeted agents, both directed to the early steps of viral replication (receptors and coreceptors antagonists) or to the development of a functional viral replication complex (host cyclophilins) are also developed, to strengthen the antiviral efficacy of these drugs. The newly approved NS3-4A protease inhibitors (telaprevir and boceprevir), administered in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for patients with HCV genotype I infection, determined a significant enhancement in the sustained virologic response rates (towards 66-75% in treatment-naive patients and 59-66% in treatment-experienced ones). Improved antiviral efficacy was shown in clinical trials by second generation protease inhibitors, while valuable alternatives are represented by nucleoside...
Source: Roumanian Archives of Microbiology and Immunology - Category: Microbiology Tags: Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol Source Type: research