Hepatitis Delta Virus genome RNA (HDV RNA) (HDV RNA)

The Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) genome RNA is a small, circular, single-stranded RNA molecule of approximately 1.7 kilobases, characterized by its high degree of base pairing which results in a rod-like structure [1]. As a satellite virus, HDV is obligately dependent on the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) for its envelope proteins, specifically the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), to facilitate virion assembly and infection of hepatocytes [2]. The HDV RNA genome encodes a single protein, the Hepatitis Delta Antigen (HDAg), and contains a unique ribozyme domain capable of self-cleavage and ligation during its rolling-circle replication [2, 5]. In the context of disease, HDV infection causes the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis, often leading to rapid progression to liver cirrhosis and an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma [3]. Therapeutic strategies targeting the HDV RNA or its products include entry inhibitors, prenylation inhibitors, and experimental RNA interference (RNAi) therapies designed to reduce viral load and prevent liver damage [4, 5].

Other names

HDV genomeHepatitis D virus RNAHDV genomic RNAHepatitis delta virus ribozyme

The primary mechanisms for drugs addressing HDV include blocking viral entry into hepatocytes by inhibiting the NTCP receptor, preventing viral assembly through the inhibition of host farnesyltransferase (prenylation inhibition), and utilizing nucleic acid polymers to block the release of subviral particles. Experimental approaches directly targeting the HDV RNA genome involve RNA interference (siRNA) or antisense oligonucleotides to trigger RNA degradation and inhibit the translation of the Hepatitis Delta Antigen [3, 4].