An HBV-tolerant immunocompetent model that effectively simulates chronic hepatitis B virus infection in mice

Exp Anim. 2016 Nov 1;65(4):373-382. doi: 10.1538/expanim.16-0013. Epub 2016 Jun 6.

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the leading cause of liver disease and hepatic carcinoma (HCC). Approximately 350 million people worldwide are infected with HBV and at risk of chronicity. An efficient HBV-tolerant murine model that mimics HBV infection in humans is desirable for HBV-related research. In this study, we investigated and established a murine model by hydrodynamic injection (HDI) of pAAV/HBV into the tail vein of AAVS1 site element-transgenic mice. In 80% of the injected mice, the serum level of HBsAg reached 103-4 IU/ml and persisted for more than half a year. Next, the model was used to evaluate RNA interference (RNAi)-based antiviral therapy. Data obtained using the model demonstrated that this model will facilitate the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying chronic HBV infection and will also be useful for evaluating new antiviral drugs.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / blood
  • Hepatitis B virus / physiology*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / etiology*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / genetics
  • Humans
  • Hydrodynamics
  • Injections
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C3H
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • RNA Interference

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens