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Updated: Apr 10, 2026

A Competent Hepatocyte Model Examining Hepatitis B Virus Entry through Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide as a Therapeutic Target
Published on: May 10, 2022
NTCP opens the door for hepatitis B virus infection
Huan Yan1, Yang Liu2, Jianhua Sui3
1National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China; Postdoctoral Program, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) is a receptor for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV). NTCP-expressing cells offer a new cell culture system for studying these viruses and developing treatments.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) pose significant global health challenges.
- A functional cell culture system is crucial for understanding HBV/HDV infection and developing antiviral therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the functional receptor for HBV and HDV.
- To establish a novel in vitro cell culture model for HBV and HDV.
Main Methods:
- Identification of sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) as the HBV/HDV receptor.
- Generation of NTCP-complemented human hepatoma HepG2 cells (HepG2-NTCP).
Main Results:
- NTCP (encoded by SLC10A1) was confirmed as the functional receptor for both HBV and HDV.
- HepG2-NTCP cells supported HBV and HDV infection in vitro, establishing a convenient cell culture system.
Conclusions:
- The discovery of NTCP as the viral receptor advances the understanding of HBV/HDV life cycles.
- This finding opens new avenues for developing targeted antiviral interventions against HBV and HDV.
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