Hepatitis B virus X protein messenger RNA (HBx mRNA)

Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) messenger RNA is the transcript responsible for producing the HBx protein, a vital regulatory component of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) (Source: PubMed, PMID: 27050362). The resulting HBx protein acts as a transactivator that is required to initiate and maintain transcription from the viral cccDNA reservoir (Source: NIH, PMC4821133). Beyond viral replication, HBx modulates host cell signaling pathways, including those involved in the cell cycle, apoptosis, and DNA repair (Source: Wikipedia, Hepatitis B virus X protein). These interactions contribute significantly to the development of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (Source: PubMed, PMID: 26011012). HBx mRNA is a primary target for novel RNA-targeted therapies, such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) (Source: Journal of Hepatology, DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.11.030). These drugs are designed to bind to the mRNA sequence, leading to its degradation or blocking its translation into protein (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases, DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1183). By reducing HBx levels, these treatments aim to silence viral activity and lower the production of other viral antigens like HBsAg (Source: Hepatology, DOI: 10.1002/hep.31234). This approach is currently being evaluated in clinical trials as a cornerstone for achieving a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B (Source: Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, DOI: 10.1016/S2468-1253(21)00112-2).

Other names

HBV X mRNAHepatitis B virus X gene transcriptHBx transcriptHBV X-protein mRNA

RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) mediated degradation of viral mRNA transcripts to inhibit protein synthesis and viral replication.