Ribavirin: A Ribonucleoside Analog with Antiviral Activity
Ribavirin, a ribonucleoside analog, shows antiviral activity against a variety of viruses both in vitro and in vivo. Although its mechanism of action remains unknown exactly, five distinct mechanisms have been proposed to explain the antiviral properties of ribavirin. These include both direct mechanisms (interference with RNA capping, RNA polymerase inhibition, lethal mutagenesis) and indirect mechanisms (inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibition, immunomodulatory effects). Ribavirin is widely used in combination with interferon-α (IFN-α) to treat hepatitis C virus infection. The addition of ribavirin greatly improves IFN-α responses. (The product is for research purpose only.)
References
- The broad-spectrum antiviral ribonucleoside ribavirin is an RNA virus mutagen
- S. Crotty, D. Maag, J. J. Arnold, W. Zhong, J. Y. N. Lau, Z. Hong, R. Andino, C. E. Cameron, Nat. Med. 2000, 6, 1375.
- RNA virus error catastrophe: direct molecular test by using ribavirin
- Mechanism of action of ribavirin in the combination treatment of chronic HCV infection (a review)
- Mechanism of action of interferon and ribavirin in treatment of hepatitis C (a review)
- Mechanisms of action of ribavirin against distinct viruses
- The metabolism, pharmacokinetics and mechanisms of antiviral activity of Ribavirin against hepatitis C virus (a review)
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