Cell Culture Models for Hepatitis B and D Viruses Infection: Old Challenges, New Developments and Future Strategies

Area of Science:

• * Virology and Hepatology
• * Viral pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions

Background:

• * Chronic Hepatitis B and D Virus (HBV and HDV) co-infection causes the most severe form of viral hepatitis, known as Hepatitis Delta.
• * Despite an HBV vaccine, HBV/HDV co-infection remains a significant global health issue with no effective curative treatments.
• * HBV and HDV share closely linked life cycles, with HDV depending on HBV for replication, making cellular responses to HDV impactful on HBV replication.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review available cell culture models for studying HBV and HDV infection and co-infection.
• * To discuss the relevance of these models in understanding HBV and HDV virology and host-pathogen interactions.
• * To highlight how these models can aid in developing new therapeutic strategies for viral clearance.

Main Methods:

• * Comprehensive literature review of cell culture models used in HBV and HDV research.
• * Analysis of the biological relevance and experimental amenability of different models.
• * Discussion of model utility in studying viral replication and host responses.

Main Results:

• * Various cell culture models exist for studying HBV and HDV, each with distinct advantages and limitations.
• * Models differ significantly in their biological relevance and suitability for virological experiments.
• * The choice of model impacts the ability to decipher viral mechanisms and host interactions.

Conclusions:

• * Cell culture models are crucial tools for advancing the understanding of HBV and HDV.
• * Evaluating model relevance is key to addressing remaining questions in HBV/HDV pathogenesis.
• * Improved understanding through appropriate models is essential for developing effective therapies against HBV and HDV.