Inhibition of subgenomic hepatitis C virus RNA replication in HeLa cells.

Authors :: Kanda T
Yokosuka O
Mikata R
Zhang KY
Tanaka M
Tada M
Fukai K
Imazeki F
Saisho H
Source :: Hepato-gastroenterology [Hepatogastroenterology] 2007 Jan-Feb; Vol. 54 (73), pp. 32-5.
Publication Year :: 2007
Abstract: Background/aims: Antiviral therapy such as combination interferon and ribavirin can eradicate hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA by up to 40-50%. However, many patients still remain non-responders to this treatment for various reasons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of interferon or ribavirin treatment on subgenomic HCV RNA replication in 'non-hepatic' HeLa cells.<br />Methodology: Huh-7 or HeLa cells harboring HCV replicon were constructed by using cellular RNA of Huh-7 harboring HCV replicon RNAs, named as C13-3 cells. We also tested whether interferon or ribavirin can suppress HCV RNA in HeLa cells.<br />Results: Huh-7 or HeLa cells harboring HCV replicon RNAs were constructed by using cellular RNA of C13-3 cells than using in vitro-transcribed RNA. Ribavirin at 1 microg/mL or 10 microg/mL did not suppress colony formation in HeLa cells, but at 100 microg/mL suppression was observed. Interferon-alpha 2b suppressed HCV replication even at 1 U/mL.<br />Conclusions: HeLa cells harboring HCV replicon RNAs also might be useful for the development of antiviral drugs.