The present invention is directed to a molecule comprising a polypeptide having substantial homology with a CTL epitope selected from the group consisting of ADLMGYIPLV (Core.sub.131-140; SEQ ID NO:1), LLALLSCLTV (Core.sub.178-187; SEQ ID NO:2), QLRRHIDLLV (SEQ ID NO:55), LLCPAGHAV (NS3.sub.1169-1177; SEQ ID NO:26), KLVALGINAV (NS3.sub.1406-1415; SEQ ID NO:28), SLMAFTAAV (NS4.sub.1789-1797; SEQ ID NO:34), LLFNILGGWV (NS4.sub.1807-1816; SEQ ID NO:35), and ILDSFDPLV (NS5.sub.2252-2260; SEQ ID NO:42). Such molecules are used for the treatment and prevention of acute or chronic HCV hepatitis; suitable pharmaceutical compositions and methods using such compositions are disclosed.