PRJNA725669
HBV TALEN on- and off-target seqeuncing
Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a global medical concern. To date there is no curative therapy for chronic hepB and is as a result of the persistence of the stable viral DNA intermediate cccDNA (covalently closed circular DNA). Available therapeutic do not target cccDNA allowing the virus to persist in an infected individual. Engineered nucleases, such as Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs), can directly target and inactivate cccDNA offering the potential for a functional cure. This study aimed to evaluate second- and third-generation TALENs targeted against HBV.