In-vitro and in-vivo models for hepatitis B cure research

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection lacks curative treatments, making HBV cure research a critical priority.
• Drug development for HBV has been significantly limited by the absence of reliable cell culture and small animal models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing models for HBV cure research.
• To highlight recent advancements in HBV research models since 2017.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on HBV models.
• Analysis of novel cell culture systems expressing HBV entry receptors.
• Evaluation of improved primary human hepatocyte culture conditions.
• Assessment of humanized mouse models for antiviral and immunotherapy testing.
• Consideration of immunocompetent models like HBV-transduced mice and woodchuck hepatitis virus models.

Main Results:

• Novel cell culture models are now susceptible to HBV infection, enabling better drug screening.
• Advanced primary human hepatocyte cultures facilitate the validation of new antivirals.
• Humanized mouse models allow for the testing of entry inhibitors, direct-acting antivirals, and immunotherapies.
• Immunocompetent models provide further avenues for studying HBV pathogenesis and treatment.

Conclusions:

• Progress in HBV model systems is crucial for developing and optimizing antiviral and immune-based therapies.
• These advanced models are instrumental in advancing HBV cure strategies towards clinical trials.