Treatment and vaccination for hepatitis C: present and future.
Hepatitis C is caused by Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), detriments the quality of life of 170 million people around the globe. Although, much has been known about the biology of the virus in recent years, a complete cure of hepatitis C remains difficult in a large majority of patients. The current treatment regimen comprising pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin has sub-optimal effectiveness especially in patients infected with HCV genotype 1. The development of an effective vaccine against the virus as well as a potent anti-viral therapy remains urgently needed. Herein, we give a brief overview of the molecular biology of hepatitis C and the postulated mechanisms of hepatitis C pathogenesis. The issues surrounding the current treatment of hepatic C, the promising new therapies on the horizon and the experimental strategies to develop a vaccine have also been discussed in a greater detail.
Jawaid
Ali
A
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Khuwaja
Ali Khan
AK
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D010154:Pakistan; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000235:genetics*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D014765:Viral Vaccines