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Irshad et al. Hepatoma Res 2018;4:23 Hepatoma Research
DOI: 10.20517/2394-5079.2018.25

Review Open Access

Molecular targeting of antiviral drugs used against
hepatitis C virus infection

Mohammad Irshad , Priyanka Gupta , Khushboo Irshad 2
1
1
1 Clinical Biochemistry Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
2 Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
Correspondence to: Prof. Mohammad Irshad, Clinical Biochemistry Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India
Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India. E-mail: drirshad54@yahoo.com

How to cite this article: Irshad M, Gupta P, Irshad K. Molecular targeting of antiviral drugs used against hepatitis C virus infection.
Hepatoma Res 2018;4:23. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2394-5079.2018.25

Received: 21 Mar 2018 First Decision: 25 May 2018 Revised: 11 Jun 2018 Accepted: 11 Jun 2018 Published: 26 Jun 2018
Science Editor: Guang-Wen Cao Copy Editor: Jun-Yao Li Production Editor: Cai-Hong Wang

Abstract
Present study reports an update on the molecular interaction of antiviral drugs with viral and host cell components during
hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In addition to the traditional therapeutic drug regimen, termed as standard of care,
some recent drugs have been added in the existing regimen used for HCV infection. These drugs were categorized as
direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) agents and “other agents”, with their efficacious impact in the control of HCV infection.
They target both viral proteases and host cell receptor proteins/enzymes involved in HCV entry into the cell, replication,
and assembly to check their propagation both in situ as well as in cell to cell transmission. Recent studies have reported
a significant rise in sustained virological response after the use of these drugs both alone and in combination with
pegylated interferon-α (PegIFN-α) plus ribavirin. Recently, DAAs have been reported to be highly effective in eradication
of HCV infection, especially liver cirrhosis, reducing but not avoiding the occurrence of liver cancer. Some studies have
demonstrated that the presence of resistant HCV variants, arising during viral replication, may be controlled by the new
drug regimen. It is important to note here that all these drugs are influenced by viral as well as host factors including basic
viral load, HCV genotypes, IFN action, interleukin 28B polymorphism and some liver and metabolic diseases, etc. This is
an area with on-going investigations to explore more antiviral agents that may address new challenges in HCV therapy.

Keywords: Hepatitis C virus, interferon, pegylated interferon, direct-acting antivirals, sustained virological response,
drug-resistance

INTRODUCTION
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a known cause of serious liver diseases recorded worldwide.
Majority of infections are asymptomatic and in about 80% of cases, the virus persists without the patient’s

© The Author(s) 2018. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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