Analyses of HBV cccDNA Quantification and Modification

Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) serves as the transcriptional template of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in the nucleus of infected cells. It ensures the persistence of HBV even if replication is blocked. Immune-mediated killing of infected hepatocytes, cell division, or cytokine induced non-cytolytic degradation of cccDNA can induce the loss of cccDNA. For studies on HBV control, the analysis of cccDNA integrity and its exact quantification is very important. Here, we describe different methods for HBV cccDNA quantification and modification.