Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025

Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice
Published on: September 25, 2019
Targeting HBV with RNA interference: Paths to cure
Matteo Iannacone1,2, Cristian G Beccaria1,2, Lena Allweiss3,4
1Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects millions worldwide despite the availability of effective vaccines. The stability of HBV's genomic minichromosome (cccDNA) within hepatocytes, the persistence of integrated viral sequences capable of producing viral antigens, and the ability of the virus to evade immune control all contribute to the difficulty in achieving a functional cure. Existing antiviral treatments have minimal impact on HBV transcription, allowing persistent viral antigen production and immune dysfunction. Emerging RNA interference (RNAi) therapies targeting HBV RNAs reduce viral replication, antigen expression, and, in turn, cccDNA activity, providing a potential path to a functional cure.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Viruses with RNA Genomes
RNA Interference
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
Experimental RNAi
Retrovirus Life Cycles
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...

