Interaction and assembly of HBV structural proteins: novel target sites of anti-HBV agents.
Human hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes chronic hepatitis disease which is a major public health problem worldwide. HBV has 4 genes encoding viral DNA polymerase, protein X and two structural proteins, the surface and core proteins. HBV DNA polymerase has been a primary target for the development of anti-HBV agents due to its enzymatic nature, and several nucleoside derivatives that inhibit HBV polymerase are currently used as anti-HBV therapeutics. On the other hand, accumulating information on the capsid assembly and the maturation process of HBV particles provides additional approaches for the development of anti-HBV agents. Proper interaction between core proteins is required for assembly of the nucleocapsid, and the specificity of the interactions between the capsid and surface proteins is essential for the maturation of active HBV in infected cells. In this article, the assembly process of active HBV particles and approaches to utilize the interactions of HBV structural proteins as target site for the development of anti-HBV agents are reviewed. In particular, novel approaches to target the assembly process and the interaction between HBV structural proteins are introduced.
Choi
In-Geol
IG
Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-713, Korea.
Yu
Yeon Gyu
YG
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000378:metabolism; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D019590:Nucleocapsid Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D015678:Viral Structural Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D019065:Virus Assembly / Q000502:physiology
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D019590:Nucleocapsid Proteins; D015678:Viral Structural Proteins; C099600:nucleocapsid protein, Hepatitis virus; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase