Molecular Virology of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): 2006 Update [Abstract]

International Journal of Medical Sciences

10 May 2008
Saturday

ISSN 1449-1907

International Journal of Biological Sciences

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Int J Med Sci 2006; 3:29-34 ©Ivyspring International Publisher

Review

Molecular Virology of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): 2006 Update

Volker Brass¹, Darius Moradpour², Hubert E. Blum¹

1. Department of Medicine II, University of Freiburg, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany
2. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland

Abstract

Fascinating progress in the understanding of the molecular biology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) was achieved recently. The replicon system revolutionized the investigation of HCV RNA replication and facilitated drug discovery. Novel systems for functional analyses of the HCV glycoproteins allowed the validation of HCV receptor candidates and the investigation of cell entry mechanisms. Most recently, recombinant infectious HCV could be produced in cell culture, rendering all steps of the viral life cycle, including entry and release of viral particles, amenable to systematic analysis. In this review, we summarize recent advances and discuss future research directions.

Keywords: helicase, hepatitis C virus, protease, polymerase, replicon

How to cite this article:
Brass V, Moradpour D, Blum HE. Molecular Virology of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): 2006 Update. Int J Med Sci 2006; 3:29-34. Available from: http://www.medsci.org/v03p0029.htm