In vitro cell model and mouse model of HBV cccDNA / 临床肝胆病杂志

ABSTRACT

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health threat worldwide. Current antiviral drugs can effectively inhibit the replication of HBV, but they fail to achieve a complete cure. As the original template for HBV replication, covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is intrinsically stable in vivo and is regarded as the molecular basis for persistent HBV infection and the key target for the cure of HBV infection. Studies on biosynthesis, metabolism, and regulation of HBV cccDNA have been limited by the low copy number of cccDNA within cells and the lack of sensitive and reliable detection methods. Establishment of appropriate research models of cccDNA helps to understand related biological processes. This article reviews the latest research advances in cell models and mouse models of HBV cccDNA, in order to facilitate future studies on HBV virology and development of antiviral drugs against HBV.