Table 1 Advantages of using nanoparticles as a carrier for some anti-HCV compounds

RBV-boronic acid

PGA and acylated PGA NPs encapsulating RBV-boronic acid

Decreases RBV accumulation in red blood cells to help prevent hemolytic anemia

RBV monophosphate

Mixture of arabinogalactan–poly (L-lysine) and poly (D, L-lactic acid) polymer

1- Stable, biodegradable nanocomplex

2- Dual function of targeting hepatocytes and sustained release of RBV

3- RBV accumulates in liver of mice after i.v. administration of RBV monophosphate, then RBV content gradually decreases for at least 7 days

CsA

PLGA NPs

1- Reduces toxic effects associated with free CsA

2- Decreased immunosuppressive effects compared to conventional treatment with CsA

HCV vaccine

CpG oligodeoxynucleotide + recombinant HCV NS3 encapsulated in a cationic liposome

Increases not only cellular but also humoral immune response against HCV NS3

Anti-HCV peptides

P41, peptide derived from HCV NS5A + ionic nanocomplex

1- Decreases cytotoxicity, hemolytic effect and proteolytic degradation while maintaining antiviral activity against HCV

2- Inhibits HCV core and NS5A proteins from binding with lipid droplets, which is known to be an essential step for viral assembly and release

Anti-HCV siRNA

Galactose functionalized dendritic nanovector + siRNA against the 5' untranslated region of HCV genome

1- Improves cellular uptake of siRNA

2- Decreases rapid degradation of siRNA by nucleases and improves their blood stability

Anti-HCV deoxyribozymes

Iron oxide magnetic NPs as a carrier for DNAzyme Dz681

1- Inhibits HCV NS3 replication through the knockdown of HCV NS3 gene expression

2- Higher knockdown efficiency than free DNAzyme transfected with Lipofectamine 2000

3- Did not induce any undesired immune responses in vitro

Anti-HCV phenolic compounds

Silibinin, the active polyphenolic agent of milk thistle, incorporated with liposomes as a nanovector

1 -Improves solubility and delivery of silibinin

2 -Non-toxic and high antiviral activity to prevent entry with preferential absorption by hepatocyte

Anti-HCV aptamer

Magnetic nanoconjugate + aptamer (Apt-E1E2-6)

1- Efficiently eradicates HCV particles and decreases the viral titer from human plasma samples

2- Provides non-invasive technique for HCV removal with minimal side effects

HCV polymerase inhibitors and protease inhibitors

HCV protease and polymerase inhibitors + anti-fibrotic/anti-hemolytic + viral entry inhibitor agents + naturally driven polyphenol/thiols and non-anticoagulant GAGs

Allows for optimal antiviral efficacy and optimal safety profile