What is a primary target of antiviral therapy for hepatitis C?

The primary target of antiviral therapy for hepatitis C is viral RNA. Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which has its genetic material in the form of RNA. Antiviral agents designed to combat HCV aim primarily at disrupting the viral life cycle, specifically by inhibiting the replication of this viral RNA. This is typically achieved through direct-acting antivirals that target various aspects of the viral replication process, such as polymerase or protease inhibitors. By effectively targeting the viral RNA, these therapies can significantly reduce viral load and lead to a sustained virologic response, which is the ultimate goal of hepatitis C treatment.

Other options focus on different aspects of the virus or the host. For instance, while inhibiting viral protein synthesis or blocking viral entry into cells may be viable targets in different contexts, they are not the primary focus of current hepatitis C treatments. Additionally, while modulating the host immune response is important in managing infections, it does not directly target the virus itself in the way that focusing on viral RNA does. This specificity towards viral RNA is what makes it the most direct and effective target in the context of hepatitis C antiviral therapy.