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Advances with RNAi-Based Therapy for Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Fiona van den Berg1, Shonisani Wendy Limani1, Njabulo Mnyandu1
1Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa.
Viruses
|August 8, 2020
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects millions globally. RNA interference (RNAi) therapies show promise for disabling persistent HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and improving treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health concern, causing significant mortality and morbidity.
- Chronic HBV infection affects 292 million people, leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Current treatments suppress HBV replication but rarely eliminate the persistent covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review RNA interference (RNAi) strategies for targeting HBV.
- To summarize advances in delivery vectors for hepatic RNAi therapy.
- To assess the current preclinical and clinical status of RNAi-based HBV treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on RNAi activators against HBV.
- Analysis of advancements in viral vector technology for liver-targeted delivery.
- Evaluation of preclinical and clinical trial data for RNAi therapeutics.
Main Results:
- Various RNAi activators have demonstrated efficacy in suppressing HBV replication.
- Novel vectors show improved delivery of RNAi sequences to the liver.
- RNAi-based therapies hold potential for disabling HBV cccDNA, offering a path to functional cure.
Conclusions:
- RNA interference (RNAi) represents a promising therapeutic avenue for chronic hepatitis B.
- Further development of delivery systems and clinical investigation are crucial for realizing the potential of RNAi therapies.
- RNAi-based strategies may offer a way to achieve sustained viral control and potentially a cure for HBV infection.
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