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

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface (S) open reading frame (ORF) RNA transcripts are the messenger RNA molecules responsible for the synthesis of the three viral surface proteins: Large (L), Middle (M), and Small (S) HBsAg (Source: PubMed PMID: 32653403). These transcripts, specifically the 2.4 kb and 2.1 kb RNA species, are transcribed from the viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) or integrated HBV DNA in the host nucleus (Source: NIH/NCBI). The resulting HBsAg proteins are crucial for the assembly of infectious virions and the production of non-infectious subviral particles that circulate in high concentrations to exhaust the host's immune response (Source: Journal of Hepatology). Targeting these transcripts with RNA-based therapeutics, such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), allows for the sequence-specific degradation of the RNA, leading to a profound reduction in HBsAg production (Source: GSK). This approach is a cornerstone of modern efforts to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B by restoring the host's ability to mount an effective immune response against the virus (Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases).

Other names

HBV S-gene mRNAHBsAg mRNA2.1 kb HBV RNA2.4 kb HBV RNAHepatitis B virus surface antigen transcriptsHBV S-ORF transcripts

RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) mediated degradation of viral mRNA to inhibit the translation of viral surface proteins.