NS3 protease

NS3 protease is an enzyme produced by the hepatitis C virus that plays a crucial role in the virus’s life cycle. It functions by cutting long viral proteins into smaller, functional parts necessary for the virus to replicate and assemble new virus particles. By doing so, NS3 protease helps the virus reproduce and spread within the host. Because of its essential role, it is a major target for antiviral drugs designed to treat hepatitis C. Inhibitors of NS3 protease can block the virus’s ability to replicate, offering effective treatments for the infection.