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Modeling Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Non-Hepatic 293T-NE-3NRs Cells
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Roles of APOBEC3 in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatocarcinogenesis

Yuan Zhang1, Xiaorong Chen1, Yajuan Cao2,3

  • 1Department of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Bioengineered
|May 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

APOBEC3 (A3) enzymes fight hepatitis B virus (HBV) but can also cause genetic mutations. Aberrant A3 activity linked to cancer development, highlighting their dual role in immunity and genomic stability.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • APOBEC3 (A3) cytidine deaminases are crucial for innate immunity and regulate protein expression.
  • A3 enzymes exhibit dual activity, inhibiting hepatitis B virus (HBV) while also posing risks to genomic stability.
  • Dysregulated A3 gene expression is implicated in pathological conditions and cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the antiviral functions and mechanisms of A3 editing enzymes against HBV infection.
  • To explore the association between A3 genes and the development of liver cancer (hepatocarcinogenesis).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on APOBEC3 enzymes and HBV.
  • Analysis of research linking A3 gene dysregulation to cancer.
  • Synthesis of information on biochemical activities and cellular roles of A3 proteins.

Main Results:

  • A3 enzymes demonstrate significant antiviral activity against HBV through specific biochemical mechanisms.
  • The deaminating activity of A3 proteins on single-stranded DNA can lead to mutations, impacting genomic integrity.
  • Aberrant A3 expression and activity are correlated with increased risk of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • APOBEC3 enzymes are key players in antiviral defense against HBV, but their mutagenic potential necessitates careful regulation.
  • Understanding the dual role of A3 enzymes is critical for developing therapeutic strategies against HBV and preventing associated cancers.

Keywords:
APOBEC3CancerHepatitis B virusHepatocellular carcinoma

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