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A Competent Hepatocyte Model Examining Hepatitis B Virus Entry through Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide as a Therapeutic Target
Published on: May 10, 2022
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Current and future directions for treating hepatitis B virus infection
Akinobu Tawada1, Tatsuo Kanda1, Osamu Yokosuka1
1Akinobu Tawada, Tatsuo Kanda, Osamu Yokosuka, Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8677, Japan.
World Journal of Hepatology
|June 19, 2015
Summary
Chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects millions globally. This review outlines antiviral therapies like peginterferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs), discussing their efficacy and limitations in managing HBV DNA and preventing liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes significant global morbidity and mortality, including liver-related deaths and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- High HBV DNA levels and persistent Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) indicate active viral replication and disease progression.
- Current treatments aim to suppress HBV DNA and achieve HBeAg seroconversion, reducing liver damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the natural course of chronic Hepatitis B virus infection.
- To outline current antiviral therapies, including peginterferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs).
- To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these treatments for managing chronic HBV.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on HBV infection and antiviral therapies.
- Comparative analysis of peginterferon, entecavir, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
- Evaluation of treatment efficacy, adverse events, and limitations.
Main Results:
- Peginterferon has limitations including adverse events, administration route, and contraindications in advanced liver disease.
- Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) like entecavir and tenofovir offer potent oral antiviral effects but require long-term administration.
- Neither peginterferon nor NUCs can eliminate covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) of HBV.
Conclusions:
- Antiviral therapies effectively suppress HBV replication and reduce liver-related complications.
- Limitations in current treatments necessitate ongoing research for more effective HBV eradication strategies.
- Understanding the natural course and treatment profiles is crucial for managing chronic Hepatitis B.
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