MDIDPYKEFG ATVELLSFLP SDFFPSVRDL LDNASALYRE ALESPEHCSP
HHTALRQAIL CWGELMTLAT WVGGNLEDPI SRDLVVSYVN TNMGLKFRQL
LWFHISCLTF GRETVIEYLV SFGVWIRTPP AYRPPNAPIL S
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The virus replicates in the liver and can integrate its DNA into the host genome, leading to chronic infection. Hepatitis D virus (HDV), also known as delta virus, is a satellite virus that requires the presence of HBV to replicate. The recombinant form of the HBV core delta antigen is a significant area of study due to its implications in vaccine development and therapeutic interventions.
HBV is a DNA virus that infects liver cells, leading to both acute and chronic hepatitis. The virus has a complex life cycle that involves the formation of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nucleus of infected cells. This cccDNA serves as a template for viral replication and transcription. HBV can integrate its DNA into the host genome, which can lead to persistent infection and contribute to the development of liver cancer .
HDV is a small, circular RNA virus that depends on HBV for its replication. HDV requires the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) provided by HBV to form infectious particles. HDV infection can lead to more severe liver disease compared to HBV infection alone. The interaction between HBV and HDV is complex, and the presence of HDV can exacerbate the pathogenic effects of HBV .
The recombinant HBV core delta antigen is a fusion protein that combines elements of both HBV and HDV. This recombinant protein is used in research to study the interactions between HBV and HDV, as well as to develop potential vaccines and therapies. The recombinant form is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which allows for the expression of the protein in various host systems, such as bacteria or yeast .