Matrix stiffness modulates inhibition of HCV replication by Fluvastatin in vitro

Background and Aims: HMG-CoA-reductase-inhibitors (statins) are widely used drugs to interfere with cholesterol biosynthesis. Besides this usage, evidence increases that statins might also be useful in therapy of viral infections or cancer. Effects of statins on HCV replication are not constantly observed in patients and the reason for this inconstancy remains elusive. We investigated anti-viral properties of Fluvastatin (FLV) in relation to the physical environment of the cell. Methods: HCV replication was analyzed by luciferase reporter assay in LucUbiNeo-ET replicon cells, stably expressing HCV genes NS3 to N…