Treatment of Hepatitis C Infections with Interferon:A Historical Perspective

[摘要] Interferons were first described in 1957, but it was not until 34years after their discovery that sufficient quantities of it wereavailable for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections,Clinicians now have an excellent understanding ofthe basis forthe effectiveness of interferon alpha (IFN-α) in the therapy ofthis disease. Treatment with IFN-αis more efficient when itcomplemented by the antiviral ribavirin and the IFN-αis conjugatedwith polyethylene glycol to form peginterferon. In the near futuretreatment of HCV with IFN-αmay involve new anti-HCV agents thatare currently under development.

[学科分类] 传染病学