The Mechanism of Suppression of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection by the Medicine Stimforte

Abstract

The effect of the drug Stimforte on infection by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been studied. Stimforte partially inhibits HCV infection at a dose of 100 μg/mouse and almost completely at a dose of 300 μg/mouse within 24 h after administration of the drug. The mice sera resulting after 24 h in the presence of 100 and 300 µg/mouse of Stimforte effectively inhibit the production of HCV. Doses of 150, 200, and 250 µg/mouse are not effective. Stimulation of interferon-β (IFN-β) production is only observed at doses of 100 and 300 µg/mouse, which explains well the neutralizing capacity of the sera. The amount of IFN-γ also correlates well with the antiviral activity and neutralizing activity of mice sera. The drug practically does not stimulate production of IFN-λ. Thus, the neutralizing activity of sera and the antiviral activity are largely determined by the 1st and 2nd IFN groups.