This page is an archive. Its content may no longer be accurate and was last updated on the original publication date. It is intended for reference and as a historical record only. For hep C questions, call Help4Hep BC at 1-888-411-7578.
A new drug target for the development of hepatitis C virus (HCV) drugs were identified, along with the mechanisms behind the virus in a recent study.
It is known that the cleavage of the HCV core protein by the signal-peptide peptidase (SPP) enzyme in infected host cells plays a key role in the formation of viral particles, as well as the development of pathological liver conditions. Until now, the details of this mechanism remained unclear.
New research by scientists at Osaka University revealed that when SPP is inhibited, HCV particle production becomes reduced, causing pathological liver conditions to improve. A chemical compound that inhibits the SPP was found in the y-secretase inhibitor, which is currently in the developmental process for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings suggest that SPP inhibitors can be developed as a new HCV drug. Since the observed protein quality control mechanism by SPP/TRC8 is believed to be related to other diseases, it may be useful for the development of drugs for an array of diseases.
– See more at: http://www.specialtypharmacytimes.com/news/viral-mechanisms-provide-new-hepatitis-c-drug-target#sthash.M4UOV8jQ.dpuf