The present invention provides a method of treating or preventing
hepatitis C virus infection in a subject which comprises administering an
effective amount of an agent to the subject, wherein the agent is capable
of specifically binding to the HCV core protein so as to inhibit
hepatitis C virus replication. The present invention also provides a
method for determining whether a compound can treat or prevent hepatitis
C virus infection in a subject, wherein the compound treats or prevents
hepatitis C virus infection by specifically inhibiting the binding of HCV
core protein and said agent so as to suppress hepatitis C virus
replication. The present invention further provides a composition for
inhibiting cell growth, comprises a HCV core protein or a variant
thereof, wherein said HCV core protein or its variant inhibit cancer cell
growth by inhibiting the cellular DEAD box proteins.