Hepatitis B virus S region messenger RNA (HBV S mRNA)

Hepatitis B virus S region messenger RNA (HBV S mRNA) is a critical viral transcript responsible for the synthesis of the three forms of the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): Large (L), Middle (M), and Small (S). These surface proteins are essential for the assembly and release of infectious virions and subviral particles, the latter of which are produced in vast excess to serve as decoys that exhaust the host's immune system. By targeting the S region mRNA, therapeutic interventions aim to significantly reduce the circulating levels of HBsAg, which is considered a prerequisite for achieving a functional cure in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Current drug development strategies utilize antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to bind specifically to this mRNA sequence, leading to its degradation and the subsequent suppression of viral protein production. This reduction in viral load and antigenemia is intended to alleviate immune suppression and allow the host's immune system to regain control over the infection. Because the S region is highly conserved across multiple HBV genotypes, it represents a robust target for sequence-specific silencing therapies.

Other names

Hepatitis B surface antigen mRNAHBsAg mRNAHBV S gene transcriptHBV S-mRNAHepatitis B virus surface messenger RNA

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) target the HBV S region mRNA for degradation via RNase H-mediated cleavage or the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), respectively, thereby inhibiting the translation of Hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg).