Molecular Insights into The Replication and Pathogenesis of Hepatitis C Virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major infectious disease problem worldwide, resulting in serious liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review article acts as a general overview of molecular aspects of HCV replication and pathogenesis emphasizing the virus structure and genome, entry mechanisms, the replication cycle, and HCV interactions with the host immune system. It also examines the progression of disease causing HCV infections and the clinical symptoms. Antiviral treatments have improved patient outcomes, but they remain far from an effective vaccine, because viral diversity, lack of access to health care, remain. Research in the future should look to increase healthcare accessibility, to understand long term outcomes after treatment, and to develop the vaccine. Solution to these challenges will enable us to diminish the worldwide burden of HCV and better patient health results.