Dr. Albana Greca
General Practitioner
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I recently learned about hepatitis B and the presence of cccDNA. Could you explain what cccDNA is in the context of hepatitis B, and how it contributes to the progression of the virus? Additionally, what measures or treatments are available to manage or eliminate cccDNA, and what impact does this have on the overall course of hepatitis B infection? I am eager to understand more about this aspect of the virus and potential strategies for addressing it. Kindly let me know.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I am here to provide you with the best medical advice.
The term cccDNA stands for covalently closed circular DNA. In the context of hepatitis B virus (HBV), cccDNA is a crucial component of the viral life cycle. After HBV infects liver cells, it deposits its genetic material into the nucleus of the host cell in the form of cccDNA. This cccDNA acts as a template for the production of viral RNA and proteins, allowing the virus to replicate and persist in the liver for an extended period, sometimes indefinitely. The cccDNA serves as the key reservoir of HBV, contributing significantly to the chronicity and persistence of the infection. Because cccDNA is stable and can evade immune responses and antiviral therapies, it presents a challenge in completely eradicating HBV from infected individuals.
Several strategies have been explored to target cccDNA including antiviral medications, immunomodulatory therapies, gene editing technologies, etc. Clearing or reducing cccDNA levels significantly could potentially lead to a functional cure for hepatitis B, where the virus remains suppressed without the need for ongoing treatment.
I hope you got answers to all the queries that you had. Kindly revert in case of further queries.
Thank you.
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General Practitioner
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