In vitro cell culture models to study hepatitis B and D virus infection

Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) can cause a major global health burden. Current medication regimens can repress viral replication and help to control disease progression, but a complete cure is hardly achieved due to the difficulties to eradicate viral templates (cccDNA and integrates). To develop novel curative antiviral therapies for HBV/HDV infection, it is vital to precisely understand the details of the molecular biology of both viruses and the virus-host interactions. One important prerequisite for gaining this aim is the availability of suitable in vitro models that support HBV/HDV infection, replicate both viruses via their authentic template and allow to adequately study host cell responses. The discovery of sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) receptor as the most crucial host factor promoted HBV/HDV research to a new era. Recently, the structure of human NTCP was solved, gaining a deeper understanding of HBV recognition as the bona fide receptor. After decades of continuous efforts, new progress has been achieved in the development of cell culture models supporting HBV/HDV study. This review summarizes the cell culture models currently available, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each model, and highlights their future applications in HBV and HDV research.

Automated summary

Chronic HBV and HDV infections pose a significant global health burden, and despite current treatments, complete viral eradication and cure is difficult due to the persistence of viral templates. Understanding the molecular biology of both viruses and their interaction with host cells is crucial for developing curative antiviral therapies. The discovery of the NTCP receptor has revolutionized HBV/HDV research, and recent advancements in cell culture models have provided new opportunities for studying these viruses. This review summarizes the available cell culture models, discusses their advantages and limitations, and highlights their potential for future HBV and HDV research.