title: HBV and HDV replication in experimental models: effect of interferon.
abstract: The use of HBV and HDV experimental models has significantly contributed to understand the viral life cycle and to systematically test antiviral effects of various drugs on a pre-clinical level. Similar replication strategies of related hepadna viruses permit the use of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), woodchucks (Marmota monax), ground and tree squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) or Pekin ducks (Anas domesticus) as appropriate animal models. Cell culture systems for in vitro infection or transfection using both primary cultures of human and non-human hepatocytes and non-hepatocytes and cell lines have recently been identified. The advantages and restrictions of these experimental models with respect to evaluation of interferon effects on viral and hepatocellular gene expression are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine II, Klinikum Grosshadern, University of Munich.
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Caselmann
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000254:growth & development*; D003698:Hepatitis Delta Virus / Q000254:growth & development*; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D007372:Interferons