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Hepatitis delta virus which causes severe acute and chronic liver disease was discovered following the detection of a novel antigen-antibody system in hepatitis B virus carriers. Currently, HDV is classified as a subviral satellite of hepatitis B virus. However, unlike other satellite viruses, the dependence of HDV on HBV is limited solely to the provision of an envelope of hepatitis B surface antigen for virus assembly. Research into the molecular virology of the HDV life cycle has revealed a fascinating collection of biology. These insights are now beginning to be translated into new potential treatment strategies. There are currently still an estimated 15 million HDV carriers worldwide.
List of contents
Structure and Replication of Hepatitis Delta Virus RNA.- HDV RNA Replication: Ancient Relic or Primer?.- HDV Ribozymes.- RNA Editing in Hepatitis Delta Virus.- Post-translational Modification of Delta Antigen of Hepatitis D Virus.- The Role of the HBV Envelope Proteins in the HDV Replication Cycle.- Prenylation of HDAg and Antiviral Drug Development.- Hepatitis Delta Virus Genetic Variability: From Genotypes I, II, III to Eight Major Clades?.- Functional and Clinical Significance of Hepatitis D Virus Genotype II Infection.- Immunology of HDV Infection.- The Woodchuck Model of HDV Infection.
Summary
Hepatitis delta virus which causes severe acute and chronic liver disease was discovered following the detection of a novel antigen-antibody system in hepatitis B virus carriers. Currently, HDV is classified as a subviral satellite of hepatitis B virus. However, unlike other satellite viruses, the dependence of HDV on HBV is limited solely to the provision of an envelope of hepatitis B surface antigen for virus assembly. Research into the molecular virology of the HDV life cycle has revealed a fascinating collection of biology. These insights are now beginning to be translated into new potential treatment strategies. There are currently still an estimated 15 million HDV carriers worldwide.