title: Entry inhibitors and future treatment of hepatitis C.
abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, HCV-induced liver disease is the leading indication for liver transplantation. The recent introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionized HCV treatment by making possible the cure of the majority of patients. However, their efficacy and safety in difficult-to-treat patients such as patients receiving immunosuppression, those with advanced liver disease, co-morbidity and HIV/HCV-co-infection remain to be determined. Furthermore, prevention of liver graft infection remains a pressing issue. HCV entry inhibitors target the very first step of the HCV life cycle and efficiently inhibit cell-cell transmission - a key prerequisite for viral spread. Because of their unique mechanism of action on cell-cell transmission they may provide a promising and simple perspective for prevention of liver graft infection. A high genetic barrier to resistance and complementary mechanism of action compared to DAAs makes entry inhibitors attractive as a new strategy for treatment of multi-resistant or difficult-to-treat patients. Clinical studies are needed to determine the future role of entry inhibitors in the arsenal of antivirals to combat HCV infection. This article forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on "Hepatitis C: next steps toward global eradication."
authors: Inserm U1110, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Fofana
authors: Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
authors: Nikolaus
authors: N
authors: Jilg
authors: Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
authors: Raymond T
authors: RT
authors: Chung
authors: Inserm U1110, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA; Pôle Hépato-digestif, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. Electronic address: Thomas.Baumert@unistra.fr.
authors: Thomas F
authors: TF
authors: Baumert
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D053586:Virus Internalization / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007372:Interferons
keywords: Difficult-to-treat patients; Direct-acting antivirals; Entry inhibitors; Liver transplantation; Resistance