Two-dimensional-cultures of primary human hepatocytes allow efficient HBV infection: Old tricks still work!

HBV is an enveloped DNA virus that can only replicate in highly differentiated human hepatocytes. It persists in the nucleus of infected cells as an episomal, covalently-closed-circular DNA (cccDNA). Approved therapies with nucleos(t)ide analogs efficiently suppress viremia, but they neither target HBV cccDNA nor are they curative. Therefore, there is a high need for in  vitro studies to identify and test new antiviral strategies, particularly those aimed at silencing or degrading cccDNA.

Source: Journal of Hepatology - May 14, 2020 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Julie Lucifora, Maud Michelet, Michel Rivoire, Ulrike Protzer, David Durantel, Fabien Zoulim Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research