The expression of hepatitis B virus polymerase in hepatocytes during chronic HBV infection

A recombinant protein corresponding to part of the amino-terminal domain of hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase was expressed in Escherichia coli. Antisera raised against this protein stained hepatocytes, from human liver biopsies, predominantly in the nucleus but some cytoplasmic staining was also observed. No staining was observed in hepatocytes from uninfected patients. Liver biopsies, taken from patients who were infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well as HBV showed more intense staining with these antisera than that seen in patients who were infected with HBV alone. The staining pattern suggests that either the whole HBV polymerase protein, or a portion encoding the amino-terminal domain, is translocated to the nucleus. This event may be an important early step in replication of the HBV genome.