Targeting host factors: A novel rationale for the management of hepatitis C virus

Table 1 Summary of the potential treatment options of CHC targeting host factors and their mechanism of action

Drug	Mechanism of action
Nitazoxanide	Induces PKR phosphorylation
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors	Disruption of HCV replication; depletion of geranylgeranyl lipids
Antisense RNA drugs targeting apoB	Blocks the assembly and secretion of VLDL, inhibits release of HCV particles from infected cells
Microsomal triglyceride protein (MTP) inhibitors	Blocks the assembly and secretion of VLDL, inhibits release of HCV particles from infected cells
Insulin sensitizer
Metformin	Insulin sensitivity by acting on hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase
Thiazolidindiones (pioglitazone)	Insulin sensitivity by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs)
Debio-025	Inhibition of Cyclophilin B
NIM 811	Inhibition of Cyclophilin B
Tamoxifen, other anti-estrogen drugs	Potentially suppresses genome replication
Small molecules (e.g. receptor mimics, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1)	Receptor and uptake inhibition
Receptor antibodies (e.g. Anti CD81)