Hepacivirus Research Articles

Lichen planus and hepatitis C virus infection

Lichen planus is an inflammatory disease of unknown origin with an overall prevalence of 0.5% to 2% in general population. It has been considered as an autoimmune disease. Hepatitis C virus infection is reported to be associated with many extrahepatic manifestations, including dermatologic condition such as lichen planus. This review summarizes the relation between lichen planus and hepatitis C virus infection, as well as the mechanism through which hepatitis C virus causes the development of lichen planus, which may offer new insights into the clinical treatment and early diagnosis of hepatitis C virus-associated lichen planus. Key words: Lichen planus; Hepacivirus

Status Presens of Antiviral Drugs And Strategies: Part I: DNA Viruses and Retroviruses

More than 40 compounds have been formally licensed for clinical use as antiviral drugs, and half of these are used for the treatment of HIV infections. The others have been approved for the therapy of herpesvirus (HSV, VZV, CMV), hepadnavirus (HBV), hepacivirus (HCV) and myxovirus (influenza, RSV) infections. New compounds are in clinical development or under preclinical evaluation, and, again, half of these are targeting HIV infections. Yet, quite a number of important viral pathogens (i.e. HPV, HCV, hemorrhagic fever viruses) remain in need of effective and/or improved antiviral therapies.

Status presens of antiviral drugs and strategies: Part II: RNA VIRUSES (EXCEPT RETROVIRUSES)

More than 40 compounds have been formally licensed for clinical use as antiviral drugs, and half of these are used for the treatment of HIV infections. The others have been approved for the therapy of herpesvirus (HSV, VZV, CMV), hepadnavirus (HBV), hepacivirus (HCV) and myxovirus (influenza, RSV) infections. New compounds are in clinical development or under preclinical evaluation, and, again, half of these are targeting HIV infections. Yet, quite a number of important viral pathogens (i.e. HPV, HCV, hemorrhagic fever viruses) remain in need of effective and/or improved antiviral therapies.