A primer on the molecular virology of hepatitis C

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> Liver International

> (formerly Liver)

> The Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of the

> Liver

>

> Edited by:

> Mei-Hwei Chang, Taiwan

> L.M. Jansen, The Netherlands

> Kew, South Africa

> Edna Strauss, Brazil

> S. Tavill, USA

>

>

> Print ISSN: 1478-3223

> Online ISSN: 1478-3231

> Frequency: Bi-monthly

> Current Volume: 24

> ISI Journal Citation Reports® Ranking: 2003: 19/47 (Gastroenterology &

> Hepatology)

> Impact Factor: 2.076

> Volume 24: Issue 6

>

> A primer on the molecular virology of hepatitis C

>

> Darius Moradpour

> Hubert E. Blum

>

> Abstract

>

> Exciting advances have recently been made in the understanding of the

> molecular virology of hepatitis C. Powerful model systems have been

> developed that allow to systematically dissect important steps of the

> hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle. These include new systems for

> functional analyses of the HCV glycoproteins, providing insights into

> possible HCV receptors and cell entry mechanisms, and the replicon system,

> which has revolutionized investigation of HCV RNA replication and has

> facilitated drug discovery efforts. The largest gaps remain in the

> understanding of the virion structure and the processes that lead to the

> assembly, packaging and release of virions. However, given the pace of

> current HCV research, progress in these directions may be expected in the

> near future. Here, we provide a primer on the molecular virology of

> hepatitis C, with particular reference to novel antiviral targets and

> therapeutic strategies.

>