Hepatitis B virus surface open reading frame mRNA transcripts (HBV S ORF mRNA)

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) S ORF mRNA transcripts are the genetic templates responsible for the synthesis of the three forms of the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): Large (L), Middle (M), and Small (S) proteins [PubMed: 29334304]. These transcripts, primarily the 2.4 kb and 2.1 kb mRNAs, are transcribed from the HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) or integrated HBV DNA in the host cell nucleus [PubMed: 33453359]. HBsAg plays a critical role in the viral life cycle by forming the viral envelope and is also secreted in vast excess as non-infectious subviral particles that act as a decoy to exhaust the host's immune system [PubMed: 31513844]. Targeting these mRNA transcripts using RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) is a major therapeutic strategy aimed at achieving a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B [PubMed: 36342117]. By degrading these transcripts, drugs can significantly reduce HBsAg levels, potentially restoring the host's immune response against the virus and facilitating the clearance of infected hepatocytes [PubMed: 33453359, GSK].

Other names

HBsAg mRNAHBV S-gene mRNA2.1 kb HBV transcript2.4 kb HBV transcriptHepatitis B virus surface antigen mRNAHBV S-region transcripts

Degradation of viral mRNA via RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) mediated RNase H cleavage, resulting in the suppression of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) production and other viral proteins.