Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2025

Development of a Hepatitis B Virus Reporter System to Monitor the Early Stages of the Replication Cycle
Published on: February 1, 2017
Phytomedicines to Target Hepatitis B Virus DNA Replication: Current Limitations and Future Approaches
Rahila Zannat Sadiea1, Shahnaj Sultana1, Bijan Mohon Chaki2
1Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.
Abstract:
Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) is one of the most common causes of hepatitis, and may lead to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 296 million people worldwide are carriers of the hepatitis B virus. Various nucleos(t)ide analogs, which specifically suppress viral replication, are the main treatment agents for HBV infection. However, the development of drug-resistant HBV strains due to viral genomic mutations in genes encoding the polymerase protein is a major obstacle to HBV treatment. In addition, adverse effects can occur in patients treated with nucleos(t)ide analogs. Thus, alternative anti-HBV drugs of plant origin are being investigated as they exhibit excellent safety profiles and have few or no side effects. In this study, phytomedicines/phytochemicals exerting significant inhibitory effects on HBV by interfering with its replication were reviewed based on different compound groups. In addition, the chemical structures of these compounds were developed. This will facilitate their commercial synthesis and further investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying their effects. The limitations of compounds previously screened for their anti-HBV effect, as well as future approaches to anti-HBV research, have also been discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Viruses with RNA Genomes
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Targets for Drug Action: Overview
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...
Retrovirus Life Cycles

