Objective: To use 2.2.15 cell line to determine the effects of mycophenolate acid (MPA) on hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and viral protein synthesis in vitro.
Methods: The 2.2.15 cells were treated with different concentration of MPA (1-50 mug/ml) for 12 days. HBsAg and HBeAg were detected in the supernatant fluid by ELISA and intracellular HBV DNA was analyzed quantitatively by slot blot hybridization.
Results: MPA could suppress the expression of HBsAg and HBeAg, and the higher concentration of MPA induced lower expression of HBsAg and HBeAg. The suppression rates of MPA for HBsAg and HBeAg at a concentration of 50 micrograms/ml were 34.2% and 24.1% respectively. The expression of HBV DNA was only 49% as compared with controls when treated with MPA at a concentration of 50 micrograms/ml.
Conclusions: Mycophenolate acid can suppress the expression of HBsAg and HBeAg as well as the replication of HBV DNA in the 2.2.15 cell. The suppressive degree is dose-dependent.