Hepatitis C virus (Synonyms: H2N-Leu-Leu-Ala-Leu-Leu-Ser-Cys-Leu-Thr-Val-OH )

Hepatitis C virus, (C48H88N10O13S), a peptide with the sequence H2N-Leu-Leu-Ala-Leu-Leu-Ser-Cys-Leu-Thr-Val-OH, MW= 1045.34. Hepatitis C virus (HCV or sometimes HVC) is a small (55–65 nm in size), enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae. Hepatitis C virus is the cause of hepatitis C in humans. The study of HCV has been hampered by the narrow host range of HCV. The use of replicons has been successful but these have only been recently discovered. HCV, as with most RNA viruses, exists as a viral quasispecies, making it very difficult to isolate a single strain or receptor type for study. HCV is spread primarily by blood-to-blood contact associated with intravenous drug use, poorly sterilized medical equipment and transfusions. An estimated 130–200 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C(1). Hepatitis C only infects humans and chimpanzees(2).The virus persists in the liver in about 85% of those infected. This persistent infection can be treated with medication: the standard therapy is a combination of peginterferon and ribavirin, with either boceprevir or telaprevir added in some cases. Overall, 50–80% of people treated are cured. Those who develop cirrhosis or liver cancer may require a liver transplant. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplantation, though the virus usually recurs after transplantation(3). No vaccine against hepatitis C is available.

Figure1  the structures of Hepatitis C virus

Figure 2  mechanisms of HCV interference with the immune system

Ref:

1. Gravitz L. (2011). "A smouldering public-health crisis". Nature 474 (7350): S2-4.

2. Shors, Teri (2011-11-08). Understanding viruses (2nd ed.).Burlington,MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. pp. 535.

3. Rosen, HR (2011-06-23). "Clinical practice. Chronic hepatitis C infection". The New England Journal of Medicine 364 (25): 2429–38.