Work

Targeting cccDNA for Degradation: Endogenous- and Exogenous-Based Methods of Nuclear-Localized DNA Destruction in the Context of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The ability to facilitate cellular degradation or achieve therapeutic destruction of targeted noxious DNA is recognized as a major goal for the treatment of various viral infections. In the case of chronic hepatitis B, targeted DNA degradation of the episomal viral genome found in the nucleus of infected hepatocytes is key to achieving a true cure. However, mechanisms of targeted DNA degradation without excessive broadscale cytotoxicity are still under investigation by researchers. This review summarizes several current systems known to have the ability to target nuclear-localized DNA, including endogenous methods of DNA degradation that may be harnessed therapeutically and exogenous methods such as CRISPR or other xenobiotics, with a focus on their potential application in hepatitis B treatment.

Source: Viruses

DOI: 10.3390/v18090929

Authors: Cassie Thompson, Vanessa Meier-Stephenson

Institution: University of Alberta

Language: English

Topic: Hepatitis B Virus Studies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137