Screening of different species reveals cat hepatocytes support HBV infection.

ABSTRACT: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major public health challenge, with nearly 300 million chronic infections, yet research is hindered by the lack of suitable animal models. This study aimed to identify HBV-susceptible species and establish a novel infection model. Primary hepatocytes from humans, cats, rabbits, Syrian hamsters, Siberian hamsters, guinea pigs, bulls, goats, pigs, cynomolgus macaques, and dogs were assessed for HBV entry using hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection. HBV relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) transfection was performed to evaluate its repair into covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). HBV infection assays were conducted in vitro. Results showed that primary hepatocytes from humans and cats were susceptible to HDV, suggesting their potential to support HBV entry. All teste

SUBMITTER: Xu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12333979 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature