[Molecular mechanisms of the hepatitis C virus, potential therapeutic targets]

Abstract

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is an emerging virus of great medical significance, because infection with this virus, which is essentially transmitted by blood, is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. HCV is an enveloped plus-strand RNA virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family. The first cloning of the HCV genome, about 13 years ago, initiated research efforts leading to the elucidation of genomic organization and definition of the functions of the most viral proteins. While current therapeutic options for hepatitis C are limited, recent progress in the understanding of HCV molecular virology (genomic sequence, viral replication mechanisms, translational control mechanisms and tridimensional structure of viral proteins) led to the identification of potential new viral targets for antiviral strategies. Based upon these current knowledge, molecular and immunotherapeutic strategies to inhibit HCV replication or viral gene expression are being explored. This review focuses on the viral structure organization, protein functions and novel antiviral therapy approaches along with their biological and clinical significance.