Inhibition of hepatitis B virus gene expression by small interfering RNAs targeting cccDNA and X antigen

Abstract

To test the possible inhibition of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and expression by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting simultaneously covalenthy closed circular DNA (dnacccDNA) and X antigen, corresponding recombinant plasmids were transfected into HepG2.2.15 cells and the levels of cccDNA, HBXAg, HBcAg, and HBeAg were assayed at various times post transfection. As expected, the single siRNAs showed marked inhibitory eff ects but their combination was even more effi cient. Th ese results provide a new insight into the development of a potential anti-HBV strategy of enhancing the effi cacy of individual antivirals and overcoming the high mutation rate of HBV.