Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects millions worldwide despite the availability of effective vaccines. The stability of HBV's genomic minichromosome (cccDNA) within hepatocytes, the persistence of integrated viral sequences capable of producing viral antigens, and the ability of the virus to evade immune control all contribute to the difficulty in achieving a functional cure. Existing antiviral treatments have minimal impact on HBV transcription, allowing persistent viral antigen production and immune dysfunction. Emerging RNA interference (RNAi) therapies targeting HBV RNAs reduce viral replication, antigen expression, and, in turn, cccDNA activity, providing a potential path to a functional cure.
Targeting HBV with RNA interference: Paths to cure / Iannacone, M.; Beccaria, C. G.; Allweiss, L.; Lucifora, J.; Tavis, J. E.; Gehring, A. J.; Dandri, M.. - In: SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE. - ISSN 1946-6234. - 17:805(2025). [10.1126/scitranslmed.adv3678]
Targeting HBV with RNA interference: Paths to cure
Iannacone M.
Membro del Collaboration Group
;Beccaria C. G.
Membro del Collaboration Group
;
2025-01-01
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects millions worldwide despite the availability of effective vaccines. The stability of HBV's genomic minichromosome (cccDNA) within hepatocytes, the persistence of integrated viral sequences capable of producing viral antigens, and the ability of the virus to evade immune control all contribute to the difficulty in achieving a functional cure. Existing antiviral treatments have minimal impact on HBV transcription, allowing persistent viral antigen production and immune dysfunction. Emerging RNA interference (RNAi) therapies targeting HBV RNAs reduce viral replication, antigen expression, and, in turn, cccDNA activity, providing a potential path to a functional cure.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
