How hepatitis B virus builds itself and keeps its DNA in liver cells
Mechanisms of Hepadnavirus Assembly and Replication
This project looks at how hepatitis B virus particles form and how the virus keeps its DNA inside liver cells, aiming to help people with chronic hepatitis B.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168999 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study the virus shell (capsid) and the steps by which it disassembles to release viral DNA inside liver cells. They will compare human and mouse liver cells to find why mice do not form the persistent viral DNA form (cccDNA) and will build cell-free lab systems to reproduce uncoating and cccDNA formation. The team will examine viral capsid features and host proteins that control late entry steps and will test how cellular DNA-sensing pathways respond to incoming HBV DNA. The work aims to reveal viral or host mechanisms that allow HBV to persist so future treatments can target them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with chronic hepatitis B, especially those willing to provide blood or liver samples for research, would be most relevant to this project.
Not a fit: People without hepatitis B or whose liver disease is caused by nonviral conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to remove or block the virus's persistent DNA and help develop better treatments or cures for chronic hepatitis B.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have uncovered parts of HBV capsid biology but have not yet explained cccDNA formation, so this work builds on earlier findings while addressing novel, unresolved steps.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Jianming — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Hu, Jianming
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.