Ribavirin

This is a default text for your page Ribavirin. Click above on edit this page to modify. Be careful with the < and > signs.

You may include any references to papers as in: the use of JSmol in Proteopedia ^[1] or to the article describing Jmol ^[2] to the rescue.

Overview

Ribavirin was first synthesized in 1970 by ICN Pharmaceuticals (now “Valent International Pharmaceuticals”). In 1986, its first major use was the treatment of RSV (respiratory syncitial virus) infections in pediatric patients. Since its FDA approval in 1998, it has primarily been used as a component in treating Hepatitis C. The treatment was modified and approved in 2002 by the FDA by combining it with interferon alfa2b. (from “Gish” in general info)

Structure & Function

While the main function of Ribavirin is to treat Hepatitis C and RSV, Ribavirin alone is not enough to treat these diseases and is commonly combined with interferon alfa2b. Ribavirin contains antiviral activity which inhibits DNA/RNA synthesis.The structure of Ribavirin resembles the structure of the nucleoside guanosine. Like guanosine, ribavirin is also water soluble and is able to mimic other purines as well. However, a key difference between the structure of ribavirin and the purine nucleosides is that it’s heterocyclic base contains only one ring, as opposed to purines which have two. Despite this, it is able to go through similar mechanisms as that of nucleosides such as phosphorylating into a triphosphate. It’s structural similarity to the common nucleoside guanosine may suggest how the drug can inhibit DNA/RNA synthesis through purine mimicry.

Disease

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease that affects the liver due to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). This disease can be acute or chronic and can even lead to death. By binding to the gC1qR receptor, HCV proteins are able to effectively inhibit the differentiation of helper T cells. In addition, HCV core proteins work by preventing the synthesis of the antiviral interferon IFN-γ. Thus, weakening the body’s immunity and making it susceptible to infection. Ribavirin is used in combination with peginterferon.^[3]

Pneumonia

Respiratory syncytial virus is responsible for viral pneumonia. This infection causes the air sacs in one or both of the lungs to become inflamed and potentially filled with fluid or pus. In infants, children, and adults over the age of 65, pneumonia can be deadly. It has been shown that Ribavirin can treat viral pneumonia by preventing transcription of respiratory syncytial virus.

Mechanism

This is a sample scene created with SAT to by Group, and another to make of the protein. You can make your own scenes on SAT starting from scratch or loading and editing one of these sample scenes.