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Ebert, G. ; Poeck, H.* ; Lucifora, J. ; Baschuk, N.* ; Esser, K. ; Esposito, I. ; Hartmann, G.* ; Protzer, U.

5' triphosphorylated small interfering RNAs control replication of hepatitis B virus and induce an interferon response in human liver cells and mice.

Gastroenterology 141, 696-706 (2011)
DOI PMC
Open Access Green as soon as Postprint is submitted to ZB.
Approved therapies for chronic hepatitis B include systemic administration of interferon (IFN)-alfa and inhibitors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reverse-transcription. Systemic application of IFN-alfa is limited by side effects. Reverse-transcriptase inhibitors effectively control HBV replication, but rarely eliminate the virus and can select drug-resistant variants. We aimed to develop an alternative therapeutic approach that combines gene silencing with induction of IFN in the liver. METHODS:To stimulate an immune response while inhibiting HBV activity, we designed 3 small interfering (si)RNAs that target highly conserved sequences and multiple HBV transcripts of all genotypes. A 5'-triphosphate (3p) was added to the siRNAs, turning them into a ligand for the cytosolic helicase retinoic acid-inducible protein I, which becomes activated and induces expression of type-I IFNs. Antiviral activity was investigated in cell lines that replicate HBV, in HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes, and in HBV transgenic mice. RESULTS: 3p-double-stranded RNA (3p-RNA) activated retinoic acid-inducible protein I, induced a strong type I IFN response (expression of IFN-β) in liver cells and showed transient but strong antiviral activity. Bifunctional, HBV-specific, 3p-siRNAs controlled replication of HBV more efficiently and for longer periods of time than 3p-RNAs without silencing capacity or siRNAs that targeted identical sequences but did not contain 3p. CONCLUSIONS: HBV-specific 3p-siRNAs are bifunctional antiviral molecules that induce production of type I IFNs in the liver and target HBV RNAs to inhibit viral replication.
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Publication type Article: Journal article
Document type Scientific Article
Keywords Virology; HBV Infection; Hepatitis B; Gene Silencing
ISSN (print) / ISBN 0016-5085
e-ISSN 1528-0012
Journal Gastroenterology
Quellenangaben Volume: 141, Issue: 2, Pages: 696-706 Article Number: , Supplement: ,
Publisher Elsevier
Reviewing status Peer reviewed
Institute(s) Institute of Virology (VIRO)
Institute of Pathology (PATH)