HBV core delta
Description
Definition and Basic Characterization of HBV Core Delta
HBV core delta refers to a recombinant protein derived from the hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antigen (HBcAg). Specifically, it is a truncated form of HBcAg consisting of residues 1–144 of the immunodominant region from the HBV genotype ayw . This 14 kDa protein is produced in Escherichia coli and purified via proprietary chromatographic techniques . Unlike the full-length HBcAg (183–185 amino acids), the delta variant lacks the C-terminal domain, which is rich in arginine residues and critical for RNA binding during HBV replication .
Key Properties of HBV Core Delta
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 14 kDa |
| Origin | HBV genotype ayw (residues 1–144) |
| Production System | E. coli |
| Applications | Immunoassays, epitope mapping, HBV pathogenesis studies |
Role in Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) Coinfection
HBV core delta is not directly involved in HDV replication but provides insights into HBV-HDV interactions:
HBV Core Antigen Expression in Coinfection
| Condition | HBcAg Detection Rate | Clinical Implication |
|---|---|---|
| HBV monoinfection | 47%–55% | Linked to active HBV replication |
| HBV/HDV coinfection | ≤6% | Indicates suppressed HBV replication |
Research Applications and Clinical Implications
HBV core delta is primarily used in diagnostic and therapeutic research:
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Diagnostics: Serves as an antigen in ELISAs to detect anti-HBc antibodies, critical for differentiating resolved vs. chronic HBV infections .
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Vaccine development: CLPs formed by core delta mimic native capsids, enabling studies on B-cell and T-cell responses .
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Drug screening: Used to test capsid assembly modulators, which disrupt HBV replication by preventing nucleocapsid formation .
Recent Findings
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In HBV/HDV coinfection, nucleos(t)ide analog therapy (e.g., entecavir) reduces HBV DNA but does not eliminate HBsAg, allowing ongoing HDV propagation .
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HBV core delta’s immunodominant regions are being explored for designing therapeutic vaccines targeting both HBV and HDV .
Limitations and Future Directions
While HBV core delta is invaluable for structural studies, its truncation limits utility in full replication cycle analyses. Future research should focus on:
Product Specs
MDIDPYKEFG ATVELLSFLP SDFFPSVRDL LDNASALYRE ALESPEHCSP
HHTALRQAIL CWGELMTLAT WVGGNLEDPI SRDLVVSYVN TNMGLKFRQL
LWFHISCLTF GRETVIEYLV SFGVWIRTPP AYRPPNAPIL S
Product Science Overview
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The virus replicates in the liver and can integrate its DNA into the host genome, leading to chronic infection. Hepatitis D virus (HDV), also known as delta virus, is a satellite virus that requires the presence of HBV to replicate. The recombinant form of the HBV core delta antigen is a significant area of study due to its implications in vaccine development and therapeutic interventions.
HBV is a DNA virus that infects liver cells, leading to both acute and chronic hepatitis. The virus has a complex life cycle that involves the formation of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nucleus of infected cells. This cccDNA serves as a template for viral replication and transcription. HBV can integrate its DNA into the host genome, which can lead to persistent infection and contribute to the development of liver cancer .
HDV is a small, circular RNA virus that depends on HBV for its replication. HDV requires the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) provided by HBV to form infectious particles. HDV infection can lead to more severe liver disease compared to HBV infection alone. The interaction between HBV and HDV is complex, and the presence of HDV can exacerbate the pathogenic effects of HBV .
The recombinant HBV core delta antigen is a fusion protein that combines elements of both HBV and HDV. This recombinant protein is used in research to study the interactions between HBV and HDV, as well as to develop potential vaccines and therapies. The recombinant form is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which allows for the expression of the protein in various host systems, such as bacteria or yeast .
- Vaccine Development: The recombinant HBV core delta antigen is used to develop vaccines that can elicit an immune response against both HBV and HDV. These vaccines aim to provide protection against both viruses and prevent the severe liver disease associated with co-infection.
- Therapeutic Interventions: Understanding the structure and function of the recombinant HBV core delta antigen can lead to the development of antiviral therapies that target the interactions between HBV and HDV. These therapies could potentially inhibit the replication of both viruses and reduce the severity of liver disease.
- Diagnostic Tools: The recombinant protein can be used to develop diagnostic assays that detect the presence of HBV and HDV in patient samples. These assays can help in the early diagnosis and management of infections.
