USES OF DC-SIGN AND DC-SIGNR FOR INHIBITING HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION

摘要

This invention provides a method for identifying a compound capable of inhibiting the binding of HCV to a cell expressing a surface receptor select ed from the group consisting of DC-SIGN or DC-SIGNR comprising: (a) contacting the cell expressing the surface receptor with a source of HCV in the presenc e or absence of a test compound for a time sufficient to allow binding of HCV to the cells; and (b) detecting the cell-bound HCV, wherein a reduction of cell - bound HCV in the presence of the test compound compared to the amount of cel l- bound HCV in the absence of the test compound is indicative of a compound capable of inhibiting the binding of HVC to a cell expressing DC-SIGN or DC- SIGNR. The invention also provides methods for identifying a compound capabl e of inhibiting HCV infection of a cell expressing DC-SIGN or DC-SIGNR. Additionally, the invention is directed to methods for determining HCV bindi ng to a cell comprising and methods for detecting the presence of HCV in a biological source.