An Insight into Hepatitis C Virus: In Search of Promising Drug Targets

Abstract

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a global health concern, chronically infecting over 70 million people worldwide. HCV is a bloodborne pathogen that primarily affects the liver, and chronic HCV infection can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure over time. There is an urgent need for more effective approaches to prevent and treat HCV. This review summarizes current knowledge on the virology, transmission, diagnosis, and management of HCV infection. It also provides an in-depth analysis of HCV proteins as promising targets for antiviral drug and vaccine development. Specific HCV proteins discussed as potential drug targets include the NS5B polymerase, NS3/4A protease, entry receptors like CD81, and core proteins. The implications of HCV proteins as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are also explored. Current direct-acting antiviral therapies are effective but have cost, genotype specificity, and resistance limitations. This review aims to synthesize essential information on HCV biology and pathogenesis to inform future research on improved preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies against this global infectious disease threat.