Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 12, 2026

A Competent Hepatocyte Model Examining Hepatitis B Virus Entry through Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide as a Therapeutic Target
11:34

A Competent Hepatocyte Model Examining Hepatitis B Virus Entry through Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide as a Therapeutic Target

Published on: May 10, 2022

2.7K

The current status and future directions of hepatitis B antiviral drug discovery

Liudi Tang1, Qiong Zhao2, Shuo Wu2

  • 1a Microbiology and Immunology graduate program , Drexel University College of medicine , Philadelphia , PA , USA.

Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery
|November 1, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Current chronic hepatitis B treatments cannot eliminate the virus. A new three-stage approach aims to stop hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, clear viral DNA, and boost immune response for a functional cure.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology and Virology
  • Immunotherapy
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • Standard chronic hepatitis B care is insufficient for durable viral control.
  • Key challenges include eliminating covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA and restoring immune function.
  • Novel therapeutics are needed to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current hepatitis B virus (HBV) drug discovery efforts.
  • To propose future research directions for HBV therapeutics.
  • To outline a strategy for achieving a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of HBV drug discovery.
  • Expert opinion on therapeutic strategies.
  • Proposal of a three-stage antiviral and immunotherapy program.

Main Results:

  • Current therapies do not eliminate HBV cccDNA or restore immune responses.
  • A multi-stage approach is proposed to address these limitations.
  • The proposed program aims for HBV replication arrest, antigen reduction, and immune activation.

Conclusions:

  • A functional cure for chronic hepatitis B requires a comprehensive strategy.
  • The proposed three-stage program targets viral elimination and immune restoration.
  • This approach may lead to durable off-drug control and seroclearance of HBsAg.
Keywords:
Capsid assembly inhibitorDNA polymerase inhibitorRNA interferencecccDNAgene editingimmunotherapy

More Related Videos

Development of a Hepatitis B Virus Reporter System to Monitor the Early Stages of the Replication Cycle09:35

Development of a Hepatitis B Virus Reporter System to Monitor the Early Stages of the Replication Cycle

Published on: February 1, 2017

14.1K
Assays for the Identification of Novel Antivirals against Bluetongue Virus12:02

Assays for the Identification of Novel Antivirals against Bluetongue Virus

Published on: October 11, 2013

14.7K

Related Concept Videos

Drug Discovery: Overview01:26

Drug Discovery: Overview

Drug discovery is a multifaceted process involving extensive screening, testing, and optimization of lead compounds to identify potential new drugs for therapeutic use. It combines several approaches, including screening large numbers of natural products, chemical modification of known active molecules, identification of new drug targets, and rational design based on biological mechanisms and drug-receptor structure. These approaches are carried out in both academic research laboratories and...
12.6K
Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the...
50.2K
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets01:29

Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets

Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
61
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
1.3K
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Active Drug, Metabolite and Fraction of Metabolized Drug01:14

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Active Drug, Metabolite and Fraction of Metabolized Drug

In pharmacotherapy, monitoring drug concentrations is paramount, especially for drugs whose therapeutic effects hinge on both the active compound and its metabolite. Hepatic impairment profoundly influences drug potency by altering liver function. If the drug is more potent than its metabolite, impaired liver function amplifies drug activity due to elevated drug concentration levels. Conversely, if the metabolite holds greater potency, diminished liver function diminishes drug activity by...
276