title: Hepatitis B virology for clinicians.
abstract: A basic understanding of the molecular events involved in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) life cycle is essential to better appreciate the natural history and atypical presentations of the disease and to develop individual management plans based on readily available virologic tests. With the improved knowledge gained from studying the molecular biology of HBV, novel approaches to inhibition of viral replication are being explored, such as viral entry inhibitors, nucleocapsid inhibitors, and inhibitors of viral assembly. However, the ultimate goal of therapy is to identify strategies to eliminate covalently closed circular DNA from infected hepatocytes. This article serves to introduce the clinically relevant aspects of the HBV life cycle as they pertain to patient management.
authors.affiliation: Liver Diseases Research Branch, Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-5450, USA.
authors.forename: Edward C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Doo
authors.forename: Marc G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Ghany
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D004279:DNA, Viral; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000502:physiology*; D005544:Forecasting; D016679:Genome, Viral; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D057285:Precision Medicine / Q000639:trends; D034622:RNA Interference; D053586:Virus Internalization / Q000187:drug effects; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004279:DNA, Viral; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase