Hepatitis B virus RNA transcripts (HBV RNA)

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA transcripts are essential intermediates in the viral life cycle, serving as templates for both protein synthesis and genome replication (Source: PMID: 31533103). These transcripts include the 3.5kb pregenomic RNA (pgRNA), which is reverse-transcribed into viral DNA, and several subgenomic RNAs (2.4kb, 2.1kb, and 0.7kb) that encode the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), core, and polymerase proteins (Source: PMID: 28807130). In chronic HBV infection, the persistent production of HBsAg is a key factor in suppressing the host's immune response and preventing viral clearance (Source: PMID: 32659788). Therapeutic strategies targeting these RNA transcripts, such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), aim to degrade the viral RNA and silence the production of all viral proteins (Source: PMID: 34161773). By significantly reducing HBsAg levels, these treatments intend to restore immune competence and achieve a functional cure, characterized by sustained HBsAg loss and undetectable HBV DNA (Source: PMID: 33493414). Current clinical candidates like Bepirovirsen and JNJ-3989 have demonstrated the ability to achieve profound and durable reductions in HBsAg in patients with chronic hepatitis B (Source: ClinicalTrials.gov). However, the rapid reduction of viral proteins can trigger immune-mediated ALT flares, which require careful monitoring during therapy (Source: PMID: 35711050).

Other names

HBV mRNAHBV pregenomic RNApgRNAHBV subgenomic RNAHepatitis B virus transcripts

RNA interference (RNAi) or RNase H-mediated degradation of viral mRNA and pregenomic RNA to inhibit viral protein synthesis and replication.