Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
11:14
Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
Published on: November 7, 2018
Chronic HDV Infection Shows Higher HBsAg Isoform Levels than HBV Infection, Paralleling HDV Replicative Activity.
Stefano D'Anna1, Lorenzo Piermatteo1, Alessia Magnapera1
1Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Viruses
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Chronic hepatitis D (CHD) shows increased Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) isoforms, correlating with Hepatitis D Virus RNA (HDV-RNA) and Hepatitis B Core Related Antigen (HBcrAg). This suggests HBsAg isoforms may be involved in HDV virion assembly and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) entry relies on Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) surface proteins (HBsAg), which exist in large, middle, and small isoforms.
- Understanding HBsAg isoform dynamics is crucial in chronic hepatitis D (CHD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate HBsAg isoform levels and their correlation with HDV-RNA, HBcrAg, and transaminases in untreated CHD patients.
- To compare HBsAg isoform composition between CHD and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 316 HBeAg-negative patients (192 CHD, 124 CHB) was studied.
- HBsAg isoforms were quantified using specifically designed ELISAs.
- Multivariable analysis and stratification by HDV-RNA and HBcrAg levels were employed.
Main Results:
- CHD patients exhibited significantly higher levels of all HBsAg isoforms compared to CHB patients.
- HBsAg isoforms positively correlated with HDV-RNA and HBcrAg levels in CHD patients.
- Elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in CHD patients were associated with higher small and middle HBsAg levels.
Conclusions:
- Chronic hepatitis D is characterized by increased HBsAg isoform production, mirroring HDV-RNA and HBcrAg levels.
- This suggests preferential incorporation of HBsAg isoforms into HDV virions.
- HBsAg isoforms may contribute to HDV-induced inflammation.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
01:26Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...