Peptides for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infections

Stanford researchers have identified several peptides that inhibit the binding between certain nonstructural proteins of hepatitis C virus and cytoplasmic membranes. For example, the nonstructural protein NS5A is known to associate with host cell membranes, and is, therefore, believed to play a key role in the replication of hepatitis C virus. Some of the peptides that have been identified have direct virucidal activity themselves. Both types of peptides may prove useful for the treatment of hepatitis C viral infections.