Advancements in Antiviral Therapeutics: A Comprehensive Review of Hepatitis C Virus and Novel Flavone Leads
Juan Farhad Alrasho1, Farhad Khalil Sofi2, Nasser Thallaj3
1Prof. Dr. Nasser Thallaj, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Quality Control, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Rachid Privet University, Damascus, Syria.
2Juan Farhad Alrasho, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Quality Control, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Rachid Privet University, Damascus, Syria.
3Farhad Khalil Sofi, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Quality Controlt, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Rachid Privet University, Damascus, Syria.
Manuscript received on 21 November 2024 | Revised Manuscript received on 04 December 2024 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 December 2024 | Manuscript published on 30 December 2024 | PP: 28-40 | Volume-5 Issue-1, December 2024 | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijapsr.A406405011224 | DOI: 10.54105/ijapsr.A4064.05011224
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© The Authors. Published by Lattice Science Publication (LSP). This is an open-access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: This review explores the fundamental characteristics and implications of viruses, focusing on their classification, structure, and the specific case of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Viruses, nonliving biological entities reliant on host cells for replication, have been historically pivotal in understanding infectious diseases. The classification of viruses has evolved significantly, leading to a hierarchical system that categorizes them by order, family, genus, and species based on genomic characteristics and structural features. HCV, a member of the Flaviviridae family, presents a significant global health concern, affecting over 150 million people and causing approximately 500,000 deaths annually. The virus is characterized by its enveloped structure and single-stranded RNA genome, which encodes a polyprotein that is cleaved into functional proteins essential for viral replication and assembly. The epidemiology of HCV reveals regional prevalence variations, with higher rates observed in developing countries. Notably, the virus exhibits considerable genetic diversity, categorized into seven genotypes, each demonstrating different responses to treatment. The natural history of HCV infection is complex, often remaining asymptomatic for extended periods, which complicates diagnosis and treatment initiation. Chronic infections can lead to severe complications, including liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Understanding the mechanisms of HCV entry, replication, and immune evasion is crucial for developing effective antiviral therapies and preventive measures. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge surrounding HCV, highlighting the need for ongoing research to better understand its biology and to improve therapeutic strategies against this pervasive virus.
Keywords: Hepatitis C Virus; Antiviral Therapy; Flaviviridae; Viral Replication; Genotypes; Directly Acting Antivirals; Immune Evasion; Epidemiology.
Scope of the Article: Pharmaceutical Chemistry