title: Alternative interferons and immunomodulators in the treatment of hepatitis C.
abstract: Interferon-α (IFN-α) has been the mainstay of therapy for hepatitis C and is currently being combined with other drugs to improve the response rate. Newer therapeutic regimens are being developed to spare the use of IFN because of the important side effects associated with IFN-based therapy. However, there may still be a need for the use of IFN in certain populations. In addition, agents that mimic the actions of IFN but with fewer side effects may still be of major value. This review focuses on the development of alternative and new forms of IFNs and other immunomodulatory agents that may supplant IFN-α in combination therapy for hepatitis C.
authors.affiliation: Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Hawwa
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Alao
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jake Liang
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000639:trends; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000187:drug effects*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology*; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007372:Interferons / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D007372:Interferons
keywords: antiviral drug development; innate immunity; interferon enhancer; toll-like receptors