Abstract: The invention rates to a hepatitis C virus (HCV) cDNA-based culture system capable of synthesis of infectious HCV in cell culture and cell-to-cell spread of the virus. The invention also relates to a method of measuring the level of HCV infection in a hepatocyte cell. A method for identifying a modulator of HCV activity is also presented, and a method for modulating HCV activity. The invention provides a reliable system for both genetic analysis of the viral genome and for the development of novel antiviral strategies.

Abstract: A method to identify internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements using a bicistronic expression system for reporter proteins is described. The IRES elements thus identified are useful in identifying trans-acting translation factors and as antiviral agents.

Abstract: The invention rates to a hepatitis C virus (HCV) cDNA-based culture system capable of synthesis of infectious HCV in cell culture and cell-to-cell spread of the virus. The invention also relates to a method of measuring the level of HCV infection in a hepatocyte cell. A method for identifying a modulator of HCV activity is also presented, and a method for modulating HCV activity. The invention provides a reliable system for both genetic analysis of the viral genome and for the development of novel antiviral strategies.

Abstract: A method to identify internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements using a bicistronic expression system for reporter proteins is described. The IRES elements thus identified are useful in identifying trans-acting translation factors and as antiviral agents.

Abstract: Peptides having specific patterns of acidic and aromatic amino acids which inhibit viral infections are described. The peptides contain 15-18 amino acids and may be administered as such, in combination with additional antiviral agents and/or in the form of nucleotide sequences encoding them.

Abstract: Peptides and RNA oligonucleotides and methods of use for the inhibition of translation of an mRNA, which is initiated at an internal ribosome entry site of the mRNA and requires binding of a protein factor to that site, are disclosed. Peptides comprising the La autoantigen binding domain (LAP) are disclosed. LAP peptides alone or in combination with inhibitor RNA oligonucleotides (IRNA) may be used as antiviral agents to inhibit internal ribosome entry site (IRES) mediated viral replication.

Abstract: A method to inhibit translation of an mRNA, which is intitiated at an internal ribosome entry site of the mRNA and requires binding of a protein factor to that site, is disclosed. The method comprises a step of providing, in an in vitro, or in vivo system that is capable of translating the mNRA, an inhibitory effective amount of a molecule that selectively binds to the protein factor, thereby preventing that factor from binding to the mNRA. The inhibitor molecule is an RNA oligonucleotide consisting of less than 35 nucleotides or a structural mimic of such an RNA oligonucleotide.