Combined HCV Cofactor Directed Sirnas Significantly Enhance the Inhibitory Effect of Single Sirnas on Hepatitis C Virus Subgenomic Replication and Translation

Background/Aims: Persistent infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) leads to the development of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. SiRNAs are currently being evaluated as promising therapeutic agents for HCV infection. Unfortunately, the antiviral efficacy of HCV directed siRNAs is limited by emergence of escape variants that are resistant to siRNA because of the high mutation rate of HCV. Alternatively, cellular RNA binding proteins that play an important role in the replication cycle of hepatitis C virus could be more attractive targets for siRNAs to sustain antiviral effects. We h…