Sharetreck – Tracking Genomic Investments & clinical trials for HIV.

Welcome back to our blog! Today, we embark on a journey to understand Hepatitis B, a viral infection affecting the liver. But before delving into the intricacies of this disease, let’s introduce a fundamental concept – the NTCP receptor.

Understanding the NTCP Receptor

The NTCP receptor, or Sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide, is a membrane protein found on the surface of hepatocytes, the primary cells in the liver. Its primary role involves the active transport of bile acids from the blood into hepatocytes, crucial for the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine.

While NTCP’s primary function is associated with bile acid transport, it serves a dual role as the entry receptor for the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This virus exploits NTCP to gain entry into hepatocytes, initiating its replication cycle and leading to a hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis B Virus Entry Process

The entry of HBV into hepatocytes involves a series of steps:

1. Recognition and Binding: The virus circulates in the bloodstream, specifically recognizing and binding to the NTCP receptor on the hepatocyte surface.
2. Internalization: The virus is internalized into the hepatocyte through endocytosis, forming a vesicle.
3. Uncoating: Once inside the cell, the viral envelope is removed, releasing the viral genome into the cytoplasm.
4. Reverse Transcription: The viral DNA undergoes reverse transcription, unique to HBV replication, resulting in a double-stranded DNA molecule.
5. Nuclear Integration: The double-stranded viral DNA is transported into the nucleus, becoming part of the host cell’s genetic material.
6. Replication and Assembly: Viral mRNA is synthesized, translated into viral proteins, and replication of the viral genome occurs.
7. Budding: Newly synthesized viral proteins and genomic DNA are transported back to the cytoplasm, where viral particles are assembled and bud from the infected cell.
8. Release: Mature viral particles are released from the infected hepatocyte, perpetuating the infection cycle.

Understanding the interaction between the hepatitis B virus and the NTCP receptor is crucial for developing strategies to prevent or treat HBV infections.

Current Standard of Care

Presently, the standard of care involves antiviral medications and regular diagnostics to monitor liver functions. In extreme cases, liver transplantation may be necessary.

Promising Gene Therapies

Looking ahead, there are four gene therapy candidates in clinical trials, with three aiming for functional cures:

1. ANRS Research Centre: Investigating a combination therapy in phase II clinical trials, scheduled to conclude by June 2024.
2. Sun Yat-Sen University: Exploring a combination therapy in phase II, expected to complete studies this month.
3. Hannover Medical School: Developing a functional cure with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (human) monotherapy, with anticipated completion in August.
4. Gilead Sciences: Progressing with a functional cure comprising combination drugs in phase II, set to conclude by January 2024.

As we eagerly await the results of these trials, stay tuned for future blog posts and videos exploring various therapies for Hepatitis B. If you enjoyed this content, don’t forget to like our video. You can also find this information in blog form on our website: www.sharetreck.com. Additionally, French and Spanish versions will be posted based on the availability of volunteers for translation. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact us through the form on our website.

Until next time, goodbye!