Inhibitory RNA Against Hepatitis C Virus

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science have recently developed a novel therapy for the treatment of Hepatitis C. They have demonstrated that a small synthetic RNA molecule (SL III) effectively mimics a small stem loop domain of the HCV IRES sequence resulting in translational inhibition of the HCV RNA. SL III binds with high affinity to cellular proteins that are necessary for translation of the viral RNA, functionally inhibiting viral reproduction. Remarkably, while SL III prevents ribosomal interaction with the HCV IRES by acting as a translational decoy, it does not impair canonical, non-IRES-mediated cellular translation. Initial studies prove efficacious and promising and represent a significant advancement in the treatment of HCV.

Currently, options for treating HCV involve the administration of interferon alone or in combination with the antiviral agent Ribavirin. However, these treatments fail to achieve a sustained virological response in the majority of patients thus emphasizing the need for novel therapeutic approaches to combat HCV infection. Moreover, because the stability of interferon peptides inside the cell is low, frequent injections are required resulting in a high cost of treatment.

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