Small Molecule and Biologic Modulators of the Immune Response to Hepatitis C Virus

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus represents a major global health problem, with approximately 3% of the world population infected. Immune-response modifiers represent the standard of care, given the lack of approved antiviral agents having direct activity against the viral proteins. Although in recent years, improvements in therapy have been attained by combined treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, the discovery and development of next-generation small molecule and biologic agents is ongoing. Several of these newer therapeutics are focused on modulating Toll-like receptors, interferon-alpha signaling, and the pro-inflammatory cytokine balance. A comprehensive account of the lead compounds in development, the bioassays used for optimization of these immune response modifiers and their clinical status is presented.

Methamphetamine enhances Hepatitis C virus replication in human hepatocytes

“…However, we know little about whether there is an association between METH use⁄abuse and HCV cytokine [Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IFN-c] production in splenocytes [33,34]. METH was also able to significantly increase tumour necrosis factor-a and IL-6 expression [33] which might have potential to enhance HIV [35]⁄HCV [36] replication. While there are the substantial studies investigating the impact of METH on the functions of the immune system, the role of METH in modulating intracellular innate immunity against HCV in human hepatic cells remains largely unknown.…”