Hepatitis D virus RNA (HDV RNA)

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) RNA is the circular, single-stranded, negative-sense genetic material of the hepatitis delta virus, a satellite virus that requires the hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen for its envelope and transmission (Source: NIH, PubMed PMID: 21783751). The HDV genome is approximately 1.7 kilobases long and possesses a unique rod-like structure with ribozyme activity essential for its rolling-circle replication (Source: Wikipedia, Virology). It encodes the hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg), which exists in small and large forms to regulate replication and assembly (Source: UniProt). Chronic infection with HDV RNA is the most severe form of viral hepatitis, frequently progressing to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (Source: WHO). Therapeutic interventions targeting HDV RNA include antisense oligonucleotides and siRNAs designed to degrade viral transcripts, as well as drugs like Bulevirtide and Lonafarnib that disrupt the viral life cycle and reduce viral load (Source: StatPearls, Journal of Hepatology). Monitoring HDV RNA levels in the blood is the gold standard for assessing treatment efficacy and disease progression (Source: AASLD).

Other names

Hepatitis delta virus RNAHDV genomeDelta virus RNAHDV-RNA

Inhibition of viral entry via NTCP, inhibition of farnesyltransferase to prevent viral assembly, and immune-mediated clearance of infected cells.